Management Plan - North York Moors National Park

Understanding and Enjoymentaimed at minimising any impacts on conservation and localcommunities and on enjoyment of the area by others.Whilst most of the activities that take place in the National Parkare undertaken within acceptable limits, some recreationalactivities are having a detrimental impact upon the naturalenvironment and local communities. Work is ongoing to preventunsustainable recreational use. For example, a coordinatedprogramme of joint action by police and the National ParkAuthority’s Ranger Service targeting illegal motorised use and a‘problem solving group’ including community, landowners andthe National Park Authority, tackling misuse of a popular visitorsite. The Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act of2006 introduced new measures relating to off road vehicularrights and gave National Park Authorities the power to makeTraffic Regulation Orders.Unsurfaced Unclassified Roads, some of which are referred to as‘Green Lanes’ are part of the highway network and therefore theduty to maintain them lies with North Yorkshire County Counciland Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council. In exceptionalcircumstances, where vehicular use of these routes is havinga significant impact on conservation of the natural and culturalheritage of the National Park and its enjoyment by the public, theNational Park Authority may consider taking action including theuse of Traffic Regulation Orders. In all other cases, the HighwaysAuthority will act. This agreed division of responsibilitiesreflects the statutory position and the National Park Authority’svery considerable voluntary contribution focussed on themaintenance of the wider rights of way network.In addition to the ongoing work to improve access and recreation,a number of fixed term projects are currently under way. Thisincludes the Community Access Project which provides fundingand support to communities wishing to improve access in their area.93% of visitors are believed to travel to the National Park bycar 43 and in 2006 transport in the National Park accounted foraround 45% of CO 2 emissions. Further, the 2010/11 YorkshireRegional Visitor Survey 44 showed that 57% of visitors to theNational Park listed ‘driving around and sightseeing from the car’as an activity they undertook.Challenges● Reversing the current trend of a decline in the number oftourists and tourist days spent in the National Park.● An increasing need to improve health and wellbeing,particularly in view of increases in levels of obesity and heartdisease, set against increasingly sedentary and technologyledlifestyles of many young people.● Embracing the drive nationally to reconnect people withnature and increase the number of volunteers.● Embracing the development of an ‘experience economy’that focuses on experience over material goods.● The effects of climate change may lead to damage to someof the National Park’s infrastructure such as bridges andrights of way. CO 2 emissions related to tourism must beminimised, particularly if it is considered that the number oftourist days will rise.● Ensuring that recreational activities in the Park do not resultin harm to the natural and historic environment andtranquillity and do not disturb communities and vulnerableor protected wildlife.● Minimising conflicts between different recreational interests.In 15 Years Time…More people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities now havea high quality, enjoyable experience of the National Park.They undertake a range of activities including walking, cycling,sightseeing and other more adventurous activities. Theseactivities bring benefits in terms of people’s health and wellbeingand are undertaken in ways which minimise the impact onthe natural environment.43 North York Moors Recreation and Access Strategy (North YorkMoors National Park Authority, 2008)44 Yorkshire and Humber Regional Visitor Survey, 2010-11(Welcome to Yorkshire)66 www.northyorkmoors.org.uk