In some parts of the country, the popular image of the Northwest of England might still be a Lowry-like landscape of factories and terraced houses, peopled by flat-cap-wearing, whippet-toting men and headscarfed women who model themselves on Ena Sharples. Now, we know that's very far from the truth -just look at the regenerating cities of Liverpool and Manchester, about to become Capital of Culture or the new Northern home of the BBC.
But how often do you take the time to appreciate the natural assets of the Northwest?
A new organisation, Natural Economy Northwest, has launched a campaign to draw attention to the region's environment, and to encourage us to brag about our natural assets. Here are some numbers to get you going - scribble them on a beer mat and become an instant pub expert on the matter:
- 30% of the Northwest is in a national park or an area of outstanding natural beauty
- It's the only place in England where you can spot Golden Eagles - at the RSPB reserve in Haweswater, Cumbria
- 80% of the region is countryside
- It has the longest stretch of undeveloped coastline in England, some 1400km. But only 50% of us have actually visited the Northwest's coast.
- 7 of the 16 red squirrel reserves in Northern England are here - and Formby's National Trust reserve is one of the best places in Britain to spot Tufty.
If this has whetted your appetite, and you're hungry for more statistics to make your friends in London / New York / Milan jealous, visit the campaign website. You can also sign up for a handy email, supplying you with seven facts a week. Bargain!
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