Appendix 4
For information only
The Natural Zone is defined in the National Park Plan (first review,
1988) as "those areas where the vegetation is almost entirely self-sown,
with only minor modifications by human activities. There are few buildings
or obvious signs of human influence such as field boundaries. The Natural
Zone areas are not truly 'natural' since human influence...has considerably
shaped the environment. However, they are the nearest thing to wilderness
in the Park." This contrasts with the Rural Zone which comprises
enclosed farmland and plantation woodlands, and the scattered farmsteads
and field barns.
More specifically the Natural Zone is defined by the Authority as land
on the Section 3 Map, together with the limestone dales. The type of land
eligible for inclusion on the Section 3 Map is statutorily defined (Wildlife
& Countryside (Amendment) Act, 1995) as areas of mountain, moor, heath,
woodland, down, cliff or foreshore whose natural beauty it is, in the
opinion of the authority, particularly important to conserve. The Authority's
own statement to accompany the Natural Zone and Section 3 Conservation
Map (first revision) follows the Countryside Commision's guidelines on
the kinds of areas to be included on the map. It has been finalised following
consultation with the main bodies with an interest in rural land management
in the National Park (The Ministry of Agriculture, Farming and Rural Conservartion
Agency, Country Landowners' Association, National Farmers' Union, English
Nature, English Heritage and the Forestry Authority).
In order to qualify for inclusion in the Natural Zone the Authority considers
that an area should substantially include the following key Natural Zone
qualities:
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