AN ‘alternative’ national park – which takes in Skipton and parts of Craven, outside the Yorkshire Dales, has been launched.

Those behind the South Pennines Park hope the move will help raise the area’s profile, improve protection of its landscapes and unlock potential funding for major projects.

The South Pennines – which covers 460 square miles of Yorkshire, Lancashire and Greater Manchester - are the only upland region in England not designated as a national park or area of outstanding natural beauty.

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire spoke to guests at the ‘official’ park launch event at the Kala Sangam Arts Centre in Bradford.

“The South Pennines Park, England’s first undesignated national landscape right on our doorsteps, is an incredible achievement and opportunity for the north of England and beyond,” she said.

“The climate and environment emergency are a real and present danger, affecting our health and wellbeing. We can’t have a fair, just and inclusive recovery from Covid-19 unless we address the impact of climate change and the need for nature recovery.

“Today’s launch is a great opportunity to empower our region to make the most of the South Pennines Park’s amazing natural assets to help our economy prosper, enable people to enjoy a great quality of life, combat the effects of climate change, and make West Yorkshire net-zero carbon by 2038.”

The event included the unveiling of a new park logo, the first showing of a film spotlighting the area and the performance of an anthem.

The idea of a South Pennines Park was first discussed in the 1940s.

Regeneration Agency Pennine Prospects is spearheading the latest venture, in partnership with local authorities within the park area, conservation bodies, transport providers and organisations such as Natural England, United Utilities, Yorkshire Water and the National Trust.

Helen Noble – chief executive of Pennine Prospects, which has been renamed South Pennines Park – said: “The need for a park was absolutely clear because the region requires a champion at national level to fight for it, protect it and seek sustainable investment.

“Over eight million people live within 30 minutes of the park and more than 660,000 live in it — twice the population of all the English national parks put together. It is an area of stunning scenery – a spectacular ever-evolving landscape that has been moulded and shaped by the people, the packhorses and footsteps of yesteryear; rich in industrial and cultural heritage.

“Establishing the South Pennines Park will ensure support for cross-boundary working on key projects, like flood protection, tourism, transport, heritage and conservation.

“This is an exciting, bold forward-thinking vision for one of the UK’s most diverse and unique regions. We’re excited to be taking an inclusive approach to making the South Pennines Park work for the people who live here, are employed here and visit it. It will unlock the resources needed to ensure residents and visitors enjoy the positive benefits of being closer to nature.”