The Yorkshire Dales National Park

The Yorkshire Dales National Park covers an area of 1773 square kilometres of stunning scenery in the central Pennine Hills. It was officially dedicated as a National Park in 1954, as a result of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949, because of the range of wildlife, habitats, beautiful scenery and local history.  

The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority has the statutory duty to fulfil two purposes:

In pursuing these purposes the Authority shall "seek to foster the economic and social well being of local communities within the National Park" (Environment Act 1995).

All of the work of the Authority is about making sure that the special qualities of the Yorkshire Dales are well looked after and will be here for everyone to enjoy in the future. It aims to help everyone, local people and visitors alike, to enjoy the area and understand its value.

The Authority works with local residents and organisations to help protect or improve the environment and heritage of the area. One such scheme is the Malhamdale Heritage Access Strategy which is actually a series of smaller projects, aiming to improve the access to the special features of Malhamdale. This is being carried out with support from the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust and the Heritage Lottery Fund. Some of the projects involved are the restoration of Malham pinfold, the improvement of Malham village green and Atkinson Copse, and improvements to interpretation in the area.

The Authority is able to provide specialist advice to residents and visitors to the National Park. If you would like any information please contact the Authority using the details below.

The classic limestone scenery, the farmed landscape of dry-stone walls, field barns and flower-rich hay meadows, the stone-built villages and the widen expanses of moorland all help to make this area special. You can play your part in protecting the environment by being a 'green' tourist. Please:

Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, 'Colvend', Hebden Road, Grassington, Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 5LB - telephone 01756 751600, fax 01756 751699

Head Office: Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, Yoredale, Bainbridge, Leyburn, North Yorkshire DL8 3EL – telephone 01969 652300, fax 01969 652399

Malham National Park Centre

National Park Centres provide you with the information you need to get the most out of your visit to the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Call in at a centre for help with accommodation, ideas for walks and days out, a weather forecast, Audio-visual presentations, displays, maps and guides and much more.

If you would like information on the Malham area please contact Malham National Park Centre:

Malham National Park Centre, Malham, Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 4DA.

Tel: 01969 652380
Fax: 01969 652389

e-mail Malham National Park Centre