Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask Her Majesty’s Government when, for what stated purposes and in what circumstances (including whether gifted or purchased) the following sites were acquired by the Lake District National Park Authority: Stickle Tarn (Great Langdale), Yewbarrow Woods (Longsleddale), Blue Hill and Red Bank Wood, Blea Brows (Coniston Water), Lady Wood (White Moss), Banerigg Wood (White Moss), and the amenity land with river frontage at Portinscale that is currently being offered for sale; and what is the current predominant land use in each case.

The Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Lords, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Lord de Mauley):

National Park Authorities are independent bodies and the information requested is not held centrally by Her Majesty’s Government. The Lake District National Park Authority has voluntarily provided the following information regarding the properties being sold by it:

Stickle Tarn (Great Langdale)

Purchased in 1960 to secure it as open space for recreation. This is the predominant land use, protected under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.

Yewbarrow Woods (Longsleddale)

Purchased in 1983 to maintain and secure its condition. The predominant land use is woodland and SSSI.

Blue Hill and Red Bank Wood, Ambleside

Purchased in 1977 and 2000 for woodland creation, improvement and public access. The predominant use is as accessible woodland.

Blea Brows, Coniston Water,

Leased from 1975 and then purchased in 2000 for the purpose of securing public access. This is the predominant land use, protected under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.

Lady Wood (White Moss), Grasmere

Purchased in 1972 to secure public access. The predominant use is accessible woodland.

Banerigg Wood (White Moss), Grasmere

Purchased in 1972 to secure public access. The predominant use is accessible woodland.

Amenity land with river frontage at Portinscale

Purchased in 1981 for public amenity and public access. This is the predominant land use, protected under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.