Nidderdale National Landscape, designated in 1994, covers 233 square miles in the heart of North Yorkshire. Nestled on the eastern flanks of the Yorkshire Pennines, it stretches from the high moorland of Great Whernside to the edge of the Vale of York.

The journey to becoming a protected landscape began in 1947 when the Hobhouse Report recommended the creation of the Yorkshire Dales National Park but suggested Nidderdale should have a different conservation status. This led to Nidderdale being excluded from the National Park when it was designated in 1954.

In 1963, there was a proposal to include Nidderdale in the National Park, but it faced opposition and was eventually abandoned in 1988. Instead, the area was designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in 1994, recognizing its unique character and national importance.

Today, Nidderdale National Landscape is celebrated for its diverse habitats, rich wildlife, and stunning scenery. It remains a vital part of the UK’s network of protected landscapes, offering a haven for nature and a place for people to explore and enjoy.