LANGDALE Pikes and Crinkle Crags - popular fellwalking destinations and famouslandmarks in the Lake District landscape - have been designated a Site of SpecialScientific Interest (SSSI) by English Nature because of their special rock formations.

Designation means that the land is legally protected under the Wildlife and CountrysideAct, which puts a duty on people to consult with English Nature before carrying out anypotentially-damaging operations. Landowners must also consult with English Nature abouthow the land is managed.

The rocks exposed on these mountainsides were created by a 400-million-year-oldvolcano, about 60 miles across, which blew out millions of tonnes of ash and lava.

The layers that can be seen in the Langdale valley are part of those eruptions, whichwere so violent the volcano eventually collapsed inwards and a giant crater-lake formed.

Simon Webb, conservation officer of English Nature, said: "The natural beauty ofthese mountains is well-known but the recent SSSI designation reflects the nationalimportance of the rocks and how they formed.

"The peace and tranquillity of Langdale today gives no clue of its violenthistory. Millions of years before the dinosaurs evolved, this giant of a volcano wasblasting out fire and ash in the Lake District."

English Nature, a government body, will now work with the owners and managers of thesite to ensure that its special interest remains.

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