Jack Ellerby from the Friends of the Lake District responded to the news by saying "the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks are huge assets for Cumbria's economy, national well-being and future prosperity. We want everyone to recognise this bigger picture and grasp the opportunities that the National Park extensions create and get behind Natural England's recommendations."

Ruth Chambers from the Campaign for National Parks added "this is fantastic news and means that wonderful landscapes like the Northern Howgills and the Orton Fells are a step closer to receiving the national protection that they deserve. The government has recently announced changes to the way that National Parks are run to ensure that local people have a greater say in their management - we encourage people from these areas to get more involved in their National Parks."