The North York Moors National Park—and Britain’s protected landscapes more broadly—are undergoing a transformation. Walking is proving to be a key way to sense and interpret this change, as the UK faces biodiversity loss, a deepening climate crisis, and an increase in rewilding projects.
The Original Debates Remain
The core questions that shaped the UK’s national park system remain highly relevant today: How do we balance access with land conservation? How do we manage moorland sustainably? These debates aren’t just historical; they are at the heart of ongoing tensions between development and preservation.
Walking as Engagement
Walking the moors offers a unique opportunity to engage with these issues deeply. It is a reflective practice that forces us to consider the future of the UK’s uplands—and what it means to live in a changing landscape. The act of walking isn’t passive; it’s a way to understand and respond to ecological challenges.
Walking through the moors is no longer just a recreational activity; it’s an essential form of environmental engagement in an era of uncertainty.
The future of Britain’s uplands depends on how we navigate these complex questions, and walking is proving to be a vital tool for understanding the path forward.
