National Character Area 24 - Vale of Mowbray : Key Facts & Data

National Character Area 24

Vale of Mowbray - Key Facts & Data

Landscape and nature conservation designations section contains a map

Note that numbers and figures in the body of the text are based on the 2014 profiles, unless otherwise stated. The maps contain live frequently updated datasets.

A small proportion, 1,031 ha or 2 per cent of this character area covers the west- ern boundary of the North York Moors National Park (Natural England, 2011).

National Park Management Plans

National Parks are nationally designated landscapes with two statutory purposes: 1) to conserve and enhance their natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage; and 2) to promote opportunities for public enjoyment and understanding of their special qualities. Clicking on the relevant National Park in the below map will also take you to that specific National Park website.
 
The following National Parks can be found within this NCA:

 

A group of people in a park

Designated nature conservation sites

The NCA includes the following statutory nature conservation designations (Natural England, Special Protection Areas; Special Area of Conservation; Ramsars; National Nature Reserves; Sites of Special Scientific Interest and Local Nature Reserves, 2021):

Please note: (i) Designated areas may overlap (ii) all figures are cut to Mean High Water Line, designations that span coastal/marine areas below this line will not be included.

Condition of designated sites
All designated sites within England are covered by Sites of Scientific Interest (SSSI) units. The condition to these SSSI units within the NCA are as follows (Natural England, Sites of Special Scientific Interest Units, 2021; 2023):

MAGiC Interactive Mapping Tool

Maps showing locations of statutory sites can be found on Defra’s MAGiC Interactive Mapping Tool by referring selecting Designations/Land-Based Designations/Statutory.

Map

Natural England Designated Sites View

Details of individual designated sites and their condition can be found on the Natural England website. To view the condition of a site, selects a site, then select the SSSI that legally underpins this, then select “View summary unit condition”.

A group of bushes in a field

Natural Capital Atlas Profiles

The Natural Capital Atlas Profiles provide an “off the shelf” natural capital evidence base for each county or city region. This includes ecosystem services relating to nature conservation designations, such as biodiversity. Clicking on the relevant County in the below map will also take you to that specific Natural Capital Atlas Profile.
 
The following Natural Capital Atlas Profiles cover counties within this NCA:

  • 28: North Yorkshire and York

 

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Landscape and nature conservation designations map for NCA24

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Landform, geology and soils section contains a map

Note that numbers and figures in the body of the text are based on the 2014 profiles, unless otherwise stated. The maps contain live frequently updated datasets.

Elevation

Land within this NCA rises from 14m above sea level to nearly 262m, the mean height being 54m (Natural England 2011).

Landform and process

Within the Vale the land is essentially flat or gently undulating. There is slightly more varied land form to the east, where the land begins to rise to the adjacent moors and in the low undulations between river valleys. Low ridges and knolls occur in places and appear quite prominent above the flatter land around them. They are formed from fault-bounded outcrops of the underlying rocks’ moraine material or ridges of sand and gravel (Vale of Mowbray Countryside Character Area description).

Bedrock geology

Within the Vale the land is essentially flat or gently undulating. There is slightly more varied land form to the east, where the land begins to rise to the adjacent moors and in the low undulations between river valleys. Low ridges and knolls occur in places and appear quite prominent above the flatter land around them. They are formed from fault-bounded outcrops of the underlying rocks’ moraine material or ridges of sand and gravel (Vale of Mowbray Countryside Character Area description).

Superficial deposits

Thick layers of glacial boulder clay (till) cover most of the area. Low lying ridges and moraines of sand and gravel give a low undulating landscape. Some alluvial deposits occur along the flood plain especially next to the River Swale (Vale of Mowbray Countryside Character Area description).

Designated geological sites

The NCA includes the following geological sites (Natural England, Geological and Mixed Sites of Special Scientific Interest, 2021):

wdt_ID NCA_ID NAME NCAAreaHa Interest type Area (ha) 2021 Percent of NCA (2021) Count
2361NORTH NORTHUMBERLAND COASTAL PLAIN37,669.6Geological6.80.01
2371NORTH NORTHUMBERLAND COASTAL PLAIN37,669.6Mixed1,029.52.75
2382NORTHUMBERLAND SANDSTONE HILLS72,694.6Geological45.40.14
2393CHEVIOT FRINGE51,591.3Geological17.10.02
2404CHEVIOTS36,487.9Geological165.00.52
2414CHEVIOTS36,487.9Mixed3,488.99.61
2425BORDER MOORS AND FORESTS127,155.9Geological85.70.18
2435BORDER MOORS AND FORESTS127,155.9Mixed35.80.01
2446SOLWAY BASIN98,350.4Geological7.20.02
2456SOLWAY BASIN98,350.4Mixed5,569.25.74

Natural England Designated Geological Sites View

Details of individual designated geological sites and their condition can be found on the Natural England website. To view the condition of a site, selects a site, then select the SSSI that legally underpins this, then select “View summary unit condition”.

A close up of layers of limestone on exposed rock face

Soils and Agriculture Classification

The glacial and alluvial drift deposits that cover the area have produced good, fertile soils ideal for arable farming and pasture for dairy farms. Approximately, 2 per cent of the land is classed as non-agricultural where sand and gravel deposits have been excavated for use in the building industry. The main grades of agricultural land in the NCA correlate with the variety of soils to be found, as follows; Grade 2 mainly silts and clays in the south and south-west of the area; Grade 3 mainly diamicton in the north and north-east of the area; Grade 4 mainly riversides and land at the edge of the North York Moors (Natural England, 2010).

The main grades of agricultural land in the NCA are broken down as follows (as a proportion of total land area) (Natural England, Provisional Agricultural Land Classification, 2019):

MAGiC Interactive Mapping Tool

Maps showing locations of statutory sites, soils and ALC can be found on Defra’s MAGiC Interactive Mapping Tool by selecting Designations/Land-Based Designations/Statutory and Landscape.

Map

Natural Capital Atlas Profiles

The Natural Capital Atlas Profiles provide an “off the shelf” natural capital evidence base for each county or city region. This includes ecosystem services relating to landform, geology and soils, such as geodiversity services and erosion control. Clicking on the relevant County in the below map will also take you to that specific Natural Capital Atlas Profile.
 
The following Natural Capital Atlas Profiles cover counties within this NCA:

  • 28: North Yorkshire and York

 

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Building Stones of England Database

The Building Stones of England Database was created by Historic England in conjunction with the British Geological Survey. It is a interactive map that allows users to explore building stones and their sources throughout England, as well as the bedrock and superficial geology. You can browse the geological map, as well as search for a building stone, stone source or structure, or search by postcode, address or place name.

Old brick buildings with straw roofs

Landform, geology and soils map for NCA24

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Key waterbodies and catchments section contains a map

Note that numbers and figures in the body of the text are based on the 2014 profiles, unless otherwise stated. The maps contain live frequently updated datasets.

Major rivers/canals

The following major rivers/canals (by length) have been identified in this NCA (Natural England, data informing the 2014 National Character Area Profiles, 2010):

wdt_ID REF_CODE NAME_1 Name Length (km) SumOfShape_Length
11NORTH NORTHUMBERLAND COASTAL PLAINRiver Aln7.67,587.2
21NORTH NORTHUMBERLAND COASTAL PLAINRiver Coquet5.55,516.0
31NORTH NORTHUMBERLAND COASTAL PLAINWhiteadder Water2.92,904.9
410NORTH PENNINESBlack Burn11.911,853.4
510NORTH PENNINESCroglin Water10.010,042.3
610NORTH PENNINESCrowdundle Beck4.34,337.4
710NORTH PENNINESDevil's Water20.520,464.6
810NORTH PENNINESHarwood Beck9.79,740.2
910NORTH PENNINESRiver Allen4.94,889.0
1010NORTH PENNINESRiver Derwent15.315,268.4

Please note: other significant rivers (by volume) may also occur. Tidal stretches of rivers are not included, which may include some major rivers.

The main watercourse through the Vale of Mowbray is the River Swale which rises in the Yorkshire Dales to the west. This is joined by the Wiske, rising in the Cleveland Hills and Cod Beck rising in the North York Moors, both to the east of the NCA. The Wiske and Cod Beck join the Swale to the north and south respectively of the market town of Thirsk.

Water quality

Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs) are areas designated as being at risk from agricultural nitrate pollution. These can impact surface water (waterbodies and waterways located above ground) and groundwater (water bodies and waterways located below ground).

Waterbodies such as lakes can also be designated as “eutrophic waters” if the enrichment of the waterbody by nitrate pollution causes accelerated growth of algae, impacting the quality of the water and the balance of organisms within it.

The following NVZs are located within the NCA (Environment Agency, Nitrate Vulnerable Zones Designations, 2021):

Water framework directive

River basin management plans cover river basin districts and describe the challenges that threaten the water environment and how these challenges can be managed and funded. The plans include the classification of water quality of surface waters and ground waters.

Draft River Basin Management Plan

The current state of water quality within the NCA can be viewed via the Draft River Basin Management Plan map.

A bridge over a body of water surrounded by trees

Natural Capital Atlas Profiles

The Natural Capital Atlas Profiles provide an “off the shelf” natural capital evidence base for each county or city region. This includes ecosystem services relating to waterbodies and catchments, such as water provision and water quality regulation. Clicking on the relevant County in the below map will also take you to that specific Natural Capital Atlas Profile.
 
The following Natural Capital Atlas Profiles cover counties within this NCA:

  • 28: North Yorkshire and York

 

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Green Infrastructure Interactive Map

Defra and Natural England’s Green Infrastructure (GI) interactive map can be used to understand access to existing green infrastructure within each NCA.
 

Graphical user interface, application, map

Catchment Based Approach Data Hub

The Catchment Based Approach Data Hub is a webmap displaying a variety of data layers suitable for supporting integrated  catchment management planning. These data layers cover an array of themes including opportunities, issues, characteristics, causes, actions and monitoring. These data layers can be use to help understand the state of waterbodies and associated habitats within the NCAs and the identified issues and opportunities within these.

A sunset over a body of water

Click on the Water Framework Directive layers on the below map to view the corresponding river names.

Key waterbodies and catchments map for NCA24

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Trees and woodlands section contains a map

Note that numbers and figures in the body of the text are based on the 2014 profiles, unless otherwise stated. The maps contain live frequently updated datasets.

Total woodland cover

Ancient woodland is any area that has been wooded continuously since at least 1600 AD. National Forest Inventory (NFI) woodland includes all forests and woodlands (0.5 hectares and over). The total woodland cover within the NCA is as follows (Forestry Commission, National Forest Inventory, 2020; 2023; Natural England, Ancient Woodland, 2021; 2024; this does not consider Natural England’s ‘Ancient Woodland – Revised (England) – Completed Counties’ data as this is being updated in tranches and no full dataset is yet available):

Distribution and size of woodland and trees in the landscape

Tree cover is generally sparse, comprising small woodlands, many associated with hunting, and a number of parklands. The eastern part of the area is more wooded. There has been scattered new planting along the valley of the River Swale, and some effort to expand lowland broadleaved woodlands. About 11 per cent of the woodland cover is on an ancient woodland site. Few of the woodlands are under formal management (Vale of Mowbray Countryside Character Area description, Natural England, 2010).

Woodland types

A statistical breakdown of the area and type of woodland found across the NCA is detailed below (Forestry Commission, National Forest Inventory, 2020; 2023):

Area and proportion of ancient woodland and planted ancient woodland sites (PAWS) within the NCA (Natural England, Ancient Woodland, 2021; 2024):

Natural Capital Atlas Profiles

The Natural Capital Atlas Profiles provide an “off the shelf” natural capital evidence base for each county or city region. This includes ecosystem services relating to trees and woodland, such as timber and plant-based energy provision, air pollution and climate regulation. Clicking on the relevant County in the below map will also take you to that specific Natural Capital Atlas Profile.
 
The following Natural Capital Atlas Profiles cover counties within this NCA:

  • 28: North Yorkshire and York

 

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Green Infrastructure Interactive Map

Defra and Natural England’s Green Infrastructure (GI) interactive map can be used to understand access to existing woodland access within each NCA.
 

Graphical user interface, application, map

Catchment Based Approach Data Hub

The Catchment Based Approach Data Hub is a webmap displaying a variety of data layers suitable for supporting integrated  catchment management planning. These data layers cover an array of themes including opportunities, issues, characteristics, causes, actions and monitoring. These can be use to help understand the state of waterbodies and associated habitats within the NCAs and the identified issues and opportunities within these, including woodland planting.

A sunset over a body of water

Trees and woodlands map for NCA24

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Boundary features and patterns

Note that numbers and figures in the body of the text are based on the 2014 profiles, unless otherwise stated.

Boundary features

Hawthorn hedgerows are the most common boundaries, especially in the north of the area, some dating from 18th century parliamentary enclosures. Drains form other boundaries as do modern post and wire and stock-mesh fences. To the north and central areas hedgerows can be substantial and many have been replanted/gapped-up through agri-environment schemes. There is some evidence of Countryside Stewardship agreements influencing boundary management, including hedgerow planting and restoration (49 km) and restored boundary protection (48 km), but their extent is limited. The estimated length of boundary features for the NCA is about 5,056 km. Total length of agreements between 1999 and 2003 is equivalent to about 3 per cent of this total (Vale of Mowbray Countryside Character Area description; Countryside Quality Counts 2003).

Field patterns

Most fields are medium sized, though they tend to be larger in the south and west. Boundaries are defined by low hedgerows or post and wire fences (Vale of Mowbray Countryside Character Area description; Countryside Quality Counts 2003).

Agriculture section contains a map

Note that numbers and figures in the body of the text are based on the 2014 profiles, unless otherwise stated. The maps contain live frequently updated datasets.

The following tables provide the most recently available statistics from Defra on agriculture within the NCA.

Farm type

The following farm types are located within this NCA (Defra, Structure of the agricultural industry in England and the UK at June, 2025):

Farm size

The following table outlines the sizes of farms within the NCA (Defra, Structure of the agricultural industry in England and the UK at June, 2025):

Farm ownership

The following table outlines the ownership of farms within the NCA (Defra, Structure of the agricultural industry in England and the UK at June, 2025):

Land use

The following table outlines the types of agricultural land use within the NCA (Defra, Structure of the agricultural industry in England and the UK at June, 2025):

Livestock numbers

The following livestock are farmed within the NCA (Defra, Structure of the agricultural industry in England and the UK at June, 2025):

Farm labour

The following table outlines the types of farm labour within the NCA (Defra, Structure of the agricultural industry in England and the UK at June, 2025):

Please note: (i) Some of the Census data are estimated by Defra so may not present a precise assessment of agriculture within this area (ii) Data refers to commercial holdings only (iii) Data includes land outside of the NCA where it belongs to holdings whose centre point is recorded as being within the NCA.

NCA24 Farmsteads Character Statement

The Historic England Farmstead & Landscape Statement summarises evidence on farmsteads and buildings in their landscape and settlement context, as well as the historic character, significance and foresight issues for the NCA.

A lush green field with an old farm building

Natural Capital Atlas Profiles

The Natural Capital Atlas Profiles provide an “off the shelf” natural capital evidence base for each county or city region. This includes ecosystem services relating to agriculture, such as livestock, cultivated crops and plant-based energy provision. Clicking on the relevant County in the below map will also take you to that specific Natural Capital Atlas Profile.
 
The following Natural Capital Atlas Profiles cover counties within this NCA:

  • 28: North Yorkshire and York

 

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NCA24 Countryside Stewardship statement of priorities

Defra have produced Countryside Stewardship statements of priorities and associated maps for each NCA. These are designed for applicants for Countryside Stewardship funding to identify the priority features and issues being targeted in their NCA and help choose which options to include as part of an application.
 
Further information about Countryside Stewardship is provided by the Rural Payments Agency, Defra, Natural England and the Forestry Commission.

A herd of cattle grazing on a lush green field

Note that the below map only shows agri-environment scheme coverage, and not other schemes.

Agriculture map for NCA24

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Key habitats and species section contains a map

Note that numbers and figures in the body of the text are based on the 2014 profiles, unless otherwise stated. The maps contain live frequently updated datasets.

Habitat distribution/coverage

In the north of this NCA the flood plain of the Swale contains remnants of rough grazed riparian meadows which are of high ecological value. Woodland cover is generally low; however, there are ecologically valuable areas of native broadleaved woodland (Vale of York and Mowbray Natural Area Profile).

Key Habitats

The NCA contains the following areas of key main habitats, as mapped by the national Priority Habitat Inventory (Natural England, Priority Habitats Inventory, 2021; 2024; Natural England, Wood Pasture and Parkland, 2020). Note: lakes and ponds were not included in 2021 data:

MAGiC Interactive Mapping Tool

Maps showing locations of priority habitats and some key species can be found on Defra’s MAGiC Interactive Mapping Tool by selecting Habitats and Species/Habitats and Habitats and Species/Species, including priority species for Countryside Stewardship targeting.

Map

National Biodiversity Network Atlas

The National Biodiversity Network Atlas is an online tool that provides a platform to engage, educate and inform people about the natural world. This includes maps showing locations of S41 species.

A butterfly sitting on a flower.

Natural Capital Atlas Profiles

The Natural Capital Atlas Profiles provide an “off the shelf” natural capital evidence base for each county or city region. This includes ecosystem services relating to key habitats and species, such as biodiversity and pollination. Clicking on the relevant County in the below map will also take you to that specific Natural Capital Atlas Profile.
 
The following Natural Capital Atlas Profiles cover counties within this NCA:

  • 28: North Yorkshire and York

 

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Defining Favourable Conservation Status Reports

Favourable Conservation Status definitions describe an England scale ambition for habitats and species. They provide context for decision making and actions to achieve and sustain thriving wildlife for each habitat type. This can inform actions for each of the relevant habitats within the NCA.

Broadleaf woodland in autumn

Carbon Storage by Habitat Reports

Terrestrial and marine managers can mitigate climate change by adopting practices which promote carbon storage and reduce emissions while enhancing the biodiversity value of ecosystems. The Carbon Storage by Habitat report examines how different management options may impact on sequestration or loss of carbon by habitat, and can inform actions for each of the relevant habitats within the NCA.

Body of water on marsh landscape

National Biodiversity Climate Change Vulnerability Model Report

Natural England has developed a GIS model that provides an assessment of the vulnerability of priority habitats to climate change based on principles of adaptation for biodiversity. It identifies why areas are vulnerable and which possible interventions can have the biggest impact in increasing resilience to the changing climate. This will inform prioritisation of adaptation action and assist in the development of adaptation strategies for biodiversity within the NCA.

Houses on a white coastal cliff edge

Catchment Based Approach Data Hub

The Catchment Based Approach Data Hub is a webmap displaying a variety of data layers suitable for supporting integrated  catchment management planning. These data layers cover an array of themes including opportunities, issues, characteristics, causes, actions and monitoring. These data layers can be use to help understand the state of waterbodies and associated habitats within the NCAs and the identified issues and opportunities within these.

A sunset over a body of water

Key habitats and species map for NCA24

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Settlement and development patterns section contains a map

Note that numbers and figures in the body of the text are based on the 2014 profiles, unless otherwise stated. The maps contain live frequently updated datasets.

Settlement patterns

Villages, which are often located on higher drier ground, tend to be linear in form. Some have village greens and many have churches with a spire or tower providing landmarks in the wider landscape. The area includes the county town of Northallerton and Thirsk. Its lowland character means it has long been
favoured as a transport route and is crossed by the East Coast Main Line and the A1. The area includes a number of active and disused airfields. There is evidence of development and redevelopment around the existing major settlements, and in the wider countryside especially along the route of the A19 corridor (Vale of Mowbray Countryside Character Area description, Countryside Quality Counts, 2003).

Main settlements

Northallerton in the north of this NCA is the county town for North Yorkshire. The only other town in this NCA is Thirsk; a market town to the south. The total estimated population for this NCA (derived from ONS 2001 Census data) is: 56,552 (Vale of Mowbray Countryside Character Area description; Countryside Quality Counts 2003; Office for National Statistics census data 2001).

Local vernacular and building materials

Pantiles and red brick are the main building materials. Bricks vary slightly in colour depending on the source of local clays. In the north of the area some brick work is rendered and walls incorporate cobbles from local glacial deposits (Vale of Mowbray Countryside Character Area description; Countryside Quality Counts 2003).

NCA24 Farmsteads Character Statement

The Historic England Farmstead & Landscape Statement summarises evidence on farmsteads and buildings in their landscape and settlement context, as well as the historic character, significance and foresight issues for the NCA.

A lush green field with an old farm building

Building Stones of England Database

The Building Stones of England Database was created by Historic England in conjunction with the British Geological Survey. It is a interactive map that allows users to explore building stones and their sources throughout England, as well as the bedrock and superficial geology. You can browse the geological map, as well as search for a building stone, stone source or structure, or search by postcode, address or place name.

Old brick buildings with straw roofs

Settlement and development patterns map for NCA24

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Key historic sites and features section contains a map

Note that numbers and figures in the body of the text are based on the 2014 profiles, unless otherwise stated. The maps contain live frequently updated datasets.

Origin of historic features

Mesolithic and Neolithic activity is widely reflected by the discovery of stone tools and flint scatters, and bronze-age activity by other bronze artefacts such as rapiers and axes. Evidence of high-status farmsteads from the Bronze Age can be found on hilltops marked by palisaded enclosures. Some developed into hill forts as at Catterick.

This area Now a major transport corridor in the Roman period, with forts and trading settlements developing around Dere Street, now the A1, and Ermine Street. Notable examples of planned settlements can be found at Catterick (Cataractonium – mostly in Pennine Dales Fringe NCA) and Bainesse roadside settlement. Earthworks and castles are distributed along Dere Street, on the fringes of the Cleveland Hills and near Northallerton.

The present strong pattern of nucleated settlements developed between the 9th and 13th centuries, by which time little woodland remained. There were many planned linear and ‘green’ settlements mostly on higher ground. There is a medium to low density of dispersed settlement, lower in south where there are high-status moated sites of 12th- and 13th-century origin. Some isolated farmsteads developed from the 14th century from grange farms of medieval monastic houses, and from shrunken medieval settlements. A strong manorial structure developed with large houses and parks, including the notable Upsall Estate medieval park pale.

The area continued to develop as major transport corridors with north-south roads influenced the position and development of post-medieval coaching towns, for example Northallerton, although with Roman foundations, and Thirsk. The main Darlington to York railway Now built prior to 1845, with many later branch lines. The establishment of large airfields from the First World War, for example at Catterick, and especially from mid 1930s, notably the bomber bases at Dishforth and Leeming. Some airfields later developed as industrial areas. Minor gentry houses date from the mid-16th century, and there are a number of notable country houses (Vale of Mowbray Draft Historic Profile; Vale of Mowbray Countryside Character Area description).

Designated historic assets

The NCA includes the following designated historic assets (Historic England, National Heritage List for England, 2021; 2024):

Listed buildings

The NCA includes the following listed buildings (Historic England, National Heritage List for England, 2021; 2024):

Heritage at Risk Register

The NCA includes the following designated historic assets listed within the Heritage at Risk Register (Historic England, Heritage at Risk Register, 2021; 2023):


NCA24 Farmsteads Character Statement

The Historic England Farmstead & Landscape Statement summarises evidence on farmsteads and buildings in their landscape and settlement context, as well as the historic character, significance and foresight issues for the NCA.

A lush green field with an old farm building

Aerial Archaeology Mapping Explorer

The Aerial Archaeology Mapping Explorer is a tool that displays archaeology that has been identified, mapped and recorded using aerial photographs and other aerial sources across England, including within the NCA over time.

Archaeologists excavating a site near the coast.

Key historic sites and features map for NCA24

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Recreation and access section contains a map

Note that numbers and figures in the body of the text are based on the 2014 profiles, unless otherwise stated. The maps contain live frequently updated datasets.

Public access

The following areas of public access for recreation are located within this NCA (Natural England, 2021; National Trust, 2021):


Please note: Public access areas may overlap.
The following linear routes or public access for recreation are located within this NCA (Natural England, 2021; Sustrans; 2021):

Green Infrastructure Interactive Map

Defra and Natural England’s Green Infrastructure (GI) interactive map can be used to understand access to existing public rights of way within each NCA.
 

Graphical user interface, application, map

Recreation and access map for NCA24

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Experiential qualities

Note that numbers and figures in the body of the text are based on the 2014 profiles, unless otherwise stated.

Tranquillity

Based on the CPRE map of tranquillity (2006) this NCA is ‘striped’ with corridors approximately oriented north-south of less tranquillity associated with the A1, A19 and A168, and with the main towns of Northallerton and Thirsk. The rural areas outside of these corridors are of moderate to high tranquillity.

A breakdown of tranquillity values for this NCA are detailed in the table below (CPRE, Tranquillity Map, 2006):

Dark skies

Light pollution is a generic term referring to artificial light that shines where it is neither wanted nor needed, and can impact on people’s experience of the countryside within the NCAs. CPRE host an interactive map, depicting the light pollution and dark skies within the NCA.

Dark Skies Interactive Map

CPRE commissioned LUC to create maps of Great Britain’s light pollution and dark skies. Using satellite data, the map shows the amount of light spilling up into the night sky. By turning on the National Character Areas layer on the map, the light pollution and dark skies within England’s NCAs can be viewed. By clicking on the individual NCA and selecting PDF Map/More information, more detailed mapping and information for this NCA can be viewed.

Intrusion

Based on the CPRE map of tranquillity (2006) this NCA is ‘striped’ with corridors approximately oriented north-south of less tranquillity associated with the A1, A19 and A168, and with the main towns of Northallerton and Thirsk. The rural areas outside of these corridors are of moderate to high tranquillity.

A breakdown of intrusion values for this NCA is detailed in the table below (CPRE, Intrusion Map, 2007):

Notable trends from the 1960s to 2007 are an increase by 40 per cent in the area classed as disturbed, up to nearly 60 per cent in 2007, and a decrease of 40 per cent, down to 40 per cent, of the undisturbed area.

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