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The Lake District National Park was created by the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 and came into being on 15 August 1951.

Covering 885 square miles, the Lake District National Park is the largest of England's National Parks. It includes one third of the county of Cumbria from Caldbeck in the north to Lindale in the south, from Ravenglass in the west to Shap in the east.

The grandeur of its scenery was a major factor in bringing about statutory protection and recognition. The present National Park Authority was set up under the Environment Act 1995 and took over the running of the National Park in April 1997.

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A vision for 2030

"Working together for a prosperous economy, vibrant communities and world class visitor experiences - and all sustaining the spectacular landscape."

Read more in Vision for the National Park in 2030 page