North Yorkshire’s moorlands are shaped by their history of human use and associated social-ecological systems. Demand for medieval wool sustained rough grazing for moor sheep, whilst recently, grazing and heather burning for grouse shooting were preferred to woodland regeneration. Now, many view sheep farming and grouse moors as part of their cultural heritage while others value the open landscapes of the North York Moors. Increasing pressure for woodland regeneration and peatland restoration to increase carbon storage and improve flood defences is leading to significant tree planting or rewetting in these landscapes. The conflicting perceptions of these landscapes mean that evidence-based and participatory processes are urgently needed to inform decisions regarding future landscape character, including relative proportions of open versus wooded landscapes.
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