We are dedicated to “Keeping Nidd Gorge Gorgeous” and the formation of a Country Park – protecting the environment on our doorstep by safeguarding the spectacular NIDD GORGE and the wider area for people to visit and enjoy recreation in the countryside and providing educational facilities for Harrogate and Knaresborough. Here to enable the Harrogate district to be both the healthiest place to live in the UK as well as one of the happiest.
There are around 250 recognised accredited Country Parks in England and Wales attracting some 57 million visitors a year. The purpose of a country park is to provide a place that has a natural, rural atmosphere for visitors who do not necessarily want to go out into the wider countryside. Visitors can enjoy a public open space with an informal atmosphere, as opposed to a formal park such as Valley Gardens or RHS Harlow Carr. For this reason country parks are usually found close to or on the edge of built-up areas, and rarely in the wider countryside.
A country park usually has some more formal facilities, such as a car park, toilets, maybe a cafe or kiosk, paths and trails, and some information for visitors. Some have much more, with museums, visitor centres, educational facilities, historic buildings, farms, fishing, and other attractions.
Country Parks are accredited by Natural England and DEFRA.
Essential criteria:
A least 10 hectares in size
Defined by a clear boundary – marked on a map, whether it’s open or fenced in
Accessible – less than 10 miles from a residential area
Free to enter
Inclusive and accessible to all
Predominantly natural or semi-natural landscape, eg woodland, grassland, wetland or parkland with no more than 5% of the area built upon (excluding car parks)
Signposted and easy to navigate – visitors should be shown where they can go and what they can do and directed along footpaths, bridleways and cycle routes
Visibly staffed, eg litter collection and maintenance
Available for public or educational events
Near public toilets
Informed by the local community – the public should have some influence over the management and development of the site
Desirable criteria:
A visitor centre
Play facilities
Catering
Bike and horse trails
Art and sculpture
Permanent staff presence during the day
Detailed information available to visitors eg leaflets
Brown and white tourist directional signs and shown on an OS map
Activities outside
A green transport policy, eg buses, cycle and walking routes to the site
Facilities for less able visitors eg easy trails/walks, seats and information available in accessible formats
Planned for the management of biodiversity, geodiversity and preservation of historical environment
Opportunities for practical community involvement, eg volunteering
Promoted the health benefits of walking
An outreach programme promoting your site to less represented sectors of the community
A programme of events and guided walks, promoting healthy living and environmental awareness.
Barn Owl – Can often be seen flying across Bilton Fields, early morning or at dusk.
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