This Centre, in the Yorkshire Dales National Park, occupies a large Georgian country house, leased from the National Trust. It is the focus of an internationally important National Nature Reserve and the Tarn itself is one of only eight upland alkaline lakes in Europe. Within walking distance of the Centre are famous limestone features including Malham Cove, Gordale Scar and spectacular karst landscapes. Habitats include limestone pavement, grazed and ungrazed grassland, woodland and species-rich fen, acid peat pools and stony hill streams. For the geographer there are many enquiry based themes to study including landuse and planning, hill farming, second homes and visitor pressure.