Clarification of National Park boundary
Where exactly is the edge of our National Park?
The Lake District National Park boundary was designated in 1951. A written description and two 1 inch to 1 mile paper maps determined the position of its boundary. The boundary drawn on the map is one 50th of an inch wide. This represents 32 metres on the ground.
When the boundary was first digitised and transferred to computers, the approach was inconsistent, leading to potential misinterpretation. We have now updated this.
Why has it been updated?
We have not moved the National Park boundary. We have just produced a new, more consistent interpretation from the original designation documents. The definitive position of the Park boundary is still only found on the original designation documents.
What are the differences?
The differences affect most of the Park boundary but are small, generally a couple of metres. For example, where the boundary runs along a road it now follows the edge of the metalling in all cases. There are some larger changes around the coast and estuaries but these are generally within the water features.
Who has agreed to it?
We did this work to comply with an ombudsman’s decision. The new interpretation has been agreed by our members and the ombudsman. Please read:
- Committee report: LDNPA 2011 boundary overview map (PDF)
- Committee report: Review of the LDNP boundary (PDF)
More information
Please contact GIS@lakedistrict.gov.uk
Map showing updated National Park boundary
Click a control tool such as zoom in and out or the arrows to move around the map. You can untick the Key to see the map with or without that information.