England’s National Parks Growing by 188 Square Miles (PHOTO)

National Parks Growing by 188 Square Miles

Lake District National Park and Yorkshire Dales National Park are being extended next August closer to the edges of the M6.

The move was publicized by Defra (The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) The Yorkshire Dales is expanding to the north and west, while the Lake District National Park is expanding to the east and south, reports the BBC.

These two parks combined will be the largest national park land in England. The complicated decision was made by Liz Truss, the environment secretary. The decision that goes into effect in 2016 is designed to promote tourism and economical growth.

Martin Holdgate, the president at Friends of the Lake District, is excited about the change being approved. He has been quoted saying “There are, and always have been, areas of superb scenery that deserved National Park status years ago. Friends of the Lake District has worked years to achieve this outcome, and we are pleased that our efforts have borne fruit but now everyone must work together to ensure we reap the benefits.”