Dales 2014

A newspaper for the residents of the Dales National Park Autumn 2014 Life is blooming in the A DIAMOND in National Park A new report shows the National Park is home to many rare species of plants and animals - from red squirrels to black the landscape grouse - and that they are thriving. A Local Biodiversity Action Plan (LBAP) - Happy 60th birthday Yorkshire Dales National Park! called ‘2020 Vision’ - was unveiled in 2010 With its windswept heather moorland, dales filled with flower-rich hay meadows, that identified a range of nationally and drystone walls and traditional field barns, expanses of limestone pavement and regionally important habitats and species stunning Three Peaks, it is no wonder it is beloved by naturalists and outdoor activity that were at risk and set out the enthusiasts alike. conservation work needed to protect Black grouse © Whitfield Benson them over the next decade. Designated in 1954 for its extraordinary natural beauty, the diversity of its wildlife habitats, its rich cultural heritage and opportunities for outdoor recreation, this Now the Trends and Status Review which More than 95 per cent of upland hay treasured landscape officially reaches its diamond anniversary on 16 November when looks at the LBAP’s progress in the first meadows has been classified as in good the act that created it came into being. four years says it is hitting target after target. condition. This summer we received the extraordinary birthday present of the Tour de France Populations of some of our important The distribution of red squirrels is stable, coming to the Yorkshire Dales, and this autumn we are delighted to host the priority bird species like lapwings, curlews as is the dormouse population following its National Park Societies Annual Conference, with its theme of opportunities for and black grouse are even bucking trends successful re-introduction in 2008 at young people in Britain’s protected landscapes. nationally. Freeholders’ Wood next to the Aysgarth Falls National Park Centre. The Yorkshire Dales National Park is one of a family of 15 in the UK, widely Adrian Shepherd, Head of Land recognised as its most iconic areas of countryside and protected for future Management, said: “The LBAP had two Other populations found to be stable generations to enjoy, primary objectives. The first was to make include two LBAP priority invertebrates sure that 65 per cent of the area of species, the fine-lined pea mussel and the While there is much to celebrate, these living, working landscapes also face priority habitats in the National Park was round-mouthed whorl snail, Yorkshire challenges from the economic hardships of upland farming, pressures from tourism, in 'good' condition - we have achieved an feather moss, which is endemic to the the need for affordable housing and climate change. 89 per cent success rate so far. We have Ingleton area, and 61 per cent of priority The staff and Members of the National Park Authority work alongside many partners also found that the populations of 38 of plant species, including lady’s slipper-orchid. to ensure this special place and its communities have a sustainable future. Over 250 the 46 LBAP species (78 per cent) that are volunteers also give their time - 5,000 days a year - towards guided walks, currently ‘monitorable’ are stable - which The Trends and Status Review archaeological surveys, walling and footpath repairs. has exceeded our initial target. can be viewed on the Yorkshire Dales Biodiversity Forum website “This is great news for the National Park www.natureinthedales.org.uk/bap and it’s a real testimony to the work by which showcases information about 150 landowners, farmers and all the agencies to of the species and 14 of the habitats deliver a wide range of collaborative found in the National Park. projects.” Twinkle, twinkle, little star With large areas completely free from different organisations around the local light pollution, the National Park is National Park and we are bringing these a fantastic place to enjoy the sky at night. together into one exciting promotional programme, as well as running some new And we are asking residents to nominate ones at the Discovery Sites. their favourite spot to view the stars to feed into a national network of best We are keen to make links with local locations round the country. star-gazing societies, enthusiasts and anyone with a skill in this area who As well as being away from the worst of would like to get involved. any light pollution, the criteria for a Dark Summer meadow near Muker © Tom Collier Sky Discovery Site is that it provides good sightlines Contact our Tourism Officer on 01756 751650 Last year we published the new National Park Management Plan and you can read of the sky and has good or [email protected] to find out about progress one year on on page 5. public access, including more. Or you can discover the project online It covers the issues that you told us were important to you - helping young people to firm ground for at www.darkskydiscovery.org.uk/ stay and live in the National Park, supporting rural broadband, encouraging re-use of wheelchairs. dark-sky-discovery-sites/map.html redundant barns and looking after this beautiful landscape. There are two ratings: Protecting fragile habitats and iconic species, such as black grouse and red squirrel, ‘Orion’ - the and taking care of the 1,300 miles of footpath, bridleway and green lanes is the focus constellation’s seven main of much of our work. stars are visible to the naked eye - and ‘Milky The Plan also addresses some of the challenges that the National Park - and the In this edition Way’ - much darker sites people who live and work here - face. These are challenging times. Farmers are found in more rural waiting to see what the new CAP reform deal will mean for them, the UK economy locations where you can Apprenticeships just the job - P3 is only very slowly starting to recover, the population of the National Park is getting see the galaxy that older, average houses prices are high, and most of the public organisations involved in contains our Solar System. Cash help for projects - P4 funding the work in the Plan have seen major reductions in resources in recent years. The plan is to put forward What you think - P4&5 We are focusing on the things that can be done and should help to make a real difference. around 10 sites initially. Success will depend on everyone who cares about the National Park working together ‘Dark skies’ events are Meet our parish Members - P6 to help secure its future and ensure it is a place to be proud of for generations to already being held by come - as intended by those who fought for its creation 60 years ago. High Nature Value farming - P8 Page 2 Dales 2014 Welcome to the BEST WHEEL FORWARD By Mark Allum, Recreation and Tourism Our two cycling websites - autumn edition Manager cyclethedales.org.uk and mtbthedales.org.uk - are a great starting point for Well, it’s been quite a summer with the spectacular What a fantastic spectacle the Tour de France in anyone looking to get out on two wheels. international event of the Tour de France visiting our area. Yorkshire was this summer. There are a huge range of routes along with The impacts of the race are still being assessed but early It was thrilling to see the stunning backdrop of the downloadable maps and descriptions, including the long indications seem to be that it’s been something of a boon National Park showcased to a global TV audience, as both distance trails the area boasts - the Yorkshire Dales for local businesses, which makes all the work of an incredible cycling and a wonderful visitor destination. Cycleway and the Way of the Roses, as well as the ever individuals and local communities very worthwhile. Thank A large number of people in the UK and overseas will popular 16km Settle Loop of the Pennine Bridleway. you to everyone who got involved. have discovered the area for the first time. On the back Cafés and cycle-friendly places to stay are all promoted This edition of our newspaper moves away from our of the millions of pounds worth of publicity, we hope to online, as well as bike shops, bike hire and mechanics. recent focus on recreation and tourism to concentrate a see an increased number - both cyclists and non-cyclists, little on our first purpose - conserving and enhancing this first time visitors and returnees - come here, spend Over the years we have helped accommodation providers wonderful landscape and its cultural heritage. money with local businesses and boost our rural in the Dales develop their facilities for cyclists, equipping economy. And we want to see these benefits spread over a hundred sites with secure cycle parking and making Hopefully, you can see some of the excellent work that across the whole of the National Park. sure you can fill up water bottles at all our toilet facilities. has taken place and is planned for the future, involving local people in a number of projects and initiatives. We’d love to hear from businesses and local communities who would like to help with the positive It’s always worth pointing out that with so much of the cycling legacy. We already know there are potential National Park in private ownership the contribution of the developments for electric bike hire and secure bike farming and landowning communities is absolutely vital. storage at a number of hotels. Our Sustainable The viability of these businesses, which help to sustain so Development Fund [read more on page 4] can provide much of what makes this National Park special, is crucial funding towards schemes which deliver benefits to the to future success. We will be using our best endeavours National Park. to promote them wherever and whenever possible. We are currently working with the National Trust to We have also been reviewing the National Park create a 7km family-friendly route around Malham Tarn Management Plan one year on to see what’s working and and will be busy carrying out improvement works to the what isn’t. Please take the time to have a look and let us existing track this winter. know your views. A packed Grinton Moor during Stage 1 of the Grand Depart on 5 July. Our annual newspaper - The Visitor 2014 - features a All the very best. pull-out cycling supplement and is available free to any Le Tour was a culmination of much investment in cycling business that would like to stock it for their customers. tourism from the Authority and we want to help We also appreciate that more people cycling means businesses make the most of the opportunities. getting out the message that we all need to share the road. One of the regional legacy aims is to see more people In particular, we will be further promoting how cyclists cycling more often. need to make their presence known to horse riders. Digging up military memories By Miles Johnson, Countryside The highlight was the excavation in June Archaeological Advisor of these strange trenches that may have been used to give soldiers a taste of The excavation of some mysterious zig zag First World what life would be like when they were shipped to War trenches near Giggleswick School is just one of the battlefields in Europe. exciting opportunities 2014 has brought for the Authority’s archaeology team. The event was open to the public and more than 200 people came along, including local schoolchildren and Last September, James Spry joined us as a one year our Young Archaeologists Club. Community Archaeology Training Placement - funded by David Butterworth Peter Charlesworth English Heritage and administered by the Council for We know that the drill hall and firing range were used by Chief Executive Chairman British Archaeology - and this extra post has allowed us members of the Craven Territorials, Village Guard and to go much further in engaging local communities with Giggleswick School Officer Training Corps. the archaeological heritage of the National Park. The trenches may have even been dug by the Training James’ bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund lead to £7,000 Corps. If further research reveals this to be the case, it being awarded to our ‘Training and Trenches’ project, will be a poignant story as many of those schoolboy and the local community were invited to help uncover officers went on to fight and die in the war and are the history of three sites in the Settle area with wartime commemorated in the school’s chapel. connections. This year, we also provided advice and support for Alongside enthusiastic volunteers - individuals and local Swaledale and Arkengarthdale Archaeology Group’s ‘Big groups - we investigated Castleberg Drill Hall (now the Dig’ in Reeth. Originating from Channel 4 TV series home of Settle Scout Group), a rifle range at the base of Time Team, ‘Big Dig’ projects are a really fun way to Attermire Scar, and the zigzag earthworks on the find out about origins of villages by carefully excavating Giggleswick School estate. small test pits and analysing the types and dates of finds within them. Alongside this, we’ve held four training courses on topics such as geophysical #! "#!$%&!'$&()!$*'($+,!,-..+(*&! $%&!(%,/$++*& survey and recording #! 0*.$(',1!,/)'2!&$2$3* traditional farm buildings, #! "#!(%,/$++$/()%45$++!2)-%/(%3 #! 6')$&7$%&!$%&!/*+*.8)%*! designed to enhance skills .)(%/,!(%,/$++*&4'*.$('*& and help local archaeological #! 9'**!:&;(<*!$%&!=,/(2$/*, #! >;*'!?@!A*$',!*B.*'(*%<* groups run successful projects. We plan to run Phone 01756 709372 David Johnson (bottom left) of Ingleborough Archaeology Group Mobile 07974745470 leads an excavation of the zigzag trenches at Giggleswick School more of these in future.

Find out more about the work of the Authority at www.yorkshiredales.org.uk Page 3 Dales 2014

“My heart has always been in working in the countryside and being outdoors. Apprenticeships are just the job “I did two weeks’ work experience with the Authority when I was 14 and was based in Hawes with the Area Ten young people are getting the chance to learn how to me going out and making Rangers. I really enjoyed it so when I saw the ad I decided look after the beautiful landscape of the National Park larger things like gates to go for it. thanks to the Dales Rural Trainee Scheme. but I thought it was impossible to get that “I’ve done drystone walling, repaired stiles, made gates They have taken up apprenticeships with local sort of work and I didn’t and helped with dormouse monitoring. organisations to learn new skills that will benefit them and know how to go about it. the countryside. “I also go to college with Arkady and the other “Now I’m learning all apprentices and I’ve done training courses on things like The scheme was launched last November by the Yorkshire sorts of things from using using pesticides, quadbiking and 4x4 off-road driving.” Dales Millennium Trust (YDMT) with the aim of providing strimmers and chainsaws 18 to 24 year olds with a life-changing opportunity. The 25-year-old has no doubt that the apprenticeship is a to footpath maintenance.” life changer for her. The two-year programme combines hands-on work Arkady was invited to placements with a complementary Level 2 Diploma in “I would definitely like to help supervise the either environmental conservation, forestry, horticulture, continue working in Authority’s Young game keeping or butchery through part-time attendance at environmental conservation Rangers group, formed to Craven College, Askham and the training scheme is encourage 11 to 16-year- Bryan or Newton Rigg. helping me to get all the olds who have an interest qualifications I need - it’s Arkady Bogg-Hargroves in the outdoors by Masham ideal.” (pictured left) joined the teaching them new skills. Sheep Fair scheme after completing a Head of Ranger Services Alan “Originally it was a one- BTEC in joinery at Craven Hulme said: “Opportunities Saturday 27 & Sunday 28 off thing but I really liked it so I asked if I could do it every September 2014 College in Skipton and for young people in the month,” he said. chose one of two Yorkshire Dales can be Sheep Show, Sheep placements specialising in “Most of my friends work but they don’t enjoy it as much limited, so it’s a real pleasure Racing, Craft Market, environmental as I do. I feel very lucky to have got a place. It’s giving me for us to be part of the Dales Fleece Stalls, Wool conservation with the so many skills and will potentially open so many doors for Rural Trainee Scheme. Competition, Sheep National Park Authority. me for the future but, hopefully, when the scheme finishes, Dog Demonstrations, “Through it, YDMT brings a I will get a job with the National Park.” Old Time Children’s “I took this range of different employers Fair, Morris Dancers apprenticeship because it Suzannah Barningham (pictured above) also opted for a together under one umbrella and much, much involved more placement with the Authority. to provide real working more woodworking”, the experience and opportunities “I live in Low Row in Swaledale, my Dad farms there and I 20-year-old said. for our young people and I am interested in the environment and getting the balance For further information visit can only see it going from ”It has always appealed to right between the two,” she said. www.mashamsheepfair.com strength to strength.”

Never-before-seen artefacts are on show in a revamped Dales Countryside Museum in Hawes. WHO WE ARE AND Stunning new spaces have been created in the former Victorian railway station, with the new Waiting Room WHAT WE DO gallery (pictured) showcasing the work of local artists National park authorities have two purposes: and makers and visitors enjoying a bright new $! information and retail area. to conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the area To plan your trip - including discovering the popular $! to promote opportunities for the understanding Hidden Secrets outdoor sculpture trail - visit www. and enjoyment of the special qualities of the parks dalescountrysidemuseum.org.uk . by the public. Open daily 10am to 5pm - free for children. In carrying out these purposes, national park authorities also have a duty to seek to foster the social and economic well-being of local communities. To fulfill these purposes, the Yorkshire Dales National John Pickard & Son Park Authority offers services that provide help and (Established 1890) advice on a wide range of issues, including Memorials of Distinction environmental conservation and enhancement, Aysgarth, Dales Renewables planning, historic buildings and sites, tourist Tel: 01969 663296 Mobile: 07977123361 Electrical Plumbing and Heating Contractors information and footpath and bridleway management. Email: [email protected] If you would like more information please: Your local installers of biomass heating systems www.pickards-memorials.com write to, or call in at, our offices... Works and showroom: Aysgarth EARN WHILE YOU BURN!! Branch showroom: 7 Frenchgate, Richmond Open Monday to Thursday 8.30am to 5.00pm, Open Saturday 9.00am - 1.00pm or by appointment Renewables - they’re better than money in the bank!! Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm $! Typical non domestic example to replace an oil boiler: Yoredale, Bainbridge, , #! 50kW wood pellet boiler installation = £30,000 North Yorkshire DL8 3EL #! 20 year Renewable Heat Incentive earnings = £134,000* $! Colvend, Hebden Road, Grassington, #! Payback period 4 to 5 years Skipton, North Yorkshire BD23 5LB #! Plus fuel cost savings = £2,000pa** telephone... "#$%&''()$!*+!,-.!/01/!$2(30[3&%0*#! 0300 456 0030 biomass heating boilers. email... Suppliers of British made Balcas Brites [email protected] wood pellet fuel, delivered by us to your fuel store. or visit... www.yorkshiredales.org.uk T: 01282 844487 E: [email protected] The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority strives to be widely W: www.dalesrenewables.co.uk recognised as a centre of expertise and excellence in conservation and recreation policy and practice, and in the quality of the landscape, and to deliver efficient and welcoming services. We aim to inspire local communities and businesses to ensure it is a thriving area, one that is treasured by those who live here and those who *Non-domestic RHI-index linked assumed at 3%pa 553*62&)(7!80%/!39))(#%!2(''(%!3*$%!:!39))(#%!*0'!3*$%!;!<=>!*0'!?*0'()!(+[30(#3@ visit. We welcome your comments and suggestions about our work.

Follow us at www.facebook.com/yorkshiredales and www.twitter.com/yorkshire_dales Page 4 Dales 2014 CASH HELP FOR COMMUNITY PROJECTS Grants totalling £160,000 a year are available through the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority’s Sustainable Squirrels get the X Factor Development Fund (SDF) to kick-start or develop Dales farmers in environmental projects, community schemes and Red squirrels are settling into a new role as TV stars business ideas. thanks to SDF funding. The fund is open to any individual, business, group or The Wensleydale Red Squirrel Group (WRSG) has a class of their own voluntary-sector body. It provides a simple and accessible been given £2,100 to set up a video camera focussing The Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust (YDMT) has source of money for a range of schemes that will result in on a feeder near a house in Appersett Ghyll that is been given £15,262 of SDF cash towards the cost of positive benefits for the National Park’s environment, owned by a Group volunteer. setting up a scheme to bring the classroom into the economy and communities, while enhancing and farmyard. conserving local culture, wildlife, landscape and land use. The equipment will record live video footage of the animals and send it via the internet to a special 32” The ‘Dales Farmers in Education Project’ offers Since it started in 2002, the SDF has given out nearly £2.1 monitor in the free area of the Dales Countryside practical support to farmers wanting to set up school million to 237 projects - three great projects it supported Museum in Hawes so that visitors can watch them visits to farms in the National Park. last year are featured here. feeding in their natural environment. The year-long project - due to finish in summer 2015 - The SDF was previously administered by the Yorkshire After the first year, includes a series of taster events. Dales Millennium Trust on behalf of the Authority, but the annual running applications can now be submitted directly to us for the costs of about £1,000 A mapping exercise will also be undertaken to identify 2014/15 fund. will be met by the what opportunities there are for more visits and what National Park support farmers need in running them.The project More information, including the key dates Authority. Rangers offers one-to-one support to farmers before, during for submission, can be found at and volunteers from and after the education visits. www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/sdf . WRSG have helped with the installation and will supervise the project’s long-term Red squirrel at Snaizeholme Churchyard management. a-buzzing © Tony Smith Bees are busy doing successful project that included a display panel, seasonal what they do best in bat walks and a bat detector. Swaledale after the SDF The new project is an extension of this work and aims gave £2,000 to the to establish a thriving colony of bees in the churchyard Grinton Churchyard to encourage pollination of nearby flowers - at the same Environment Project. time increasing awareness of the insects, encouraging St Andrew’s Church in young beekeepers and helping the public to understand the village is home to the importance of bees for the environment. several bat species and, The SDF grant has paid for bees, three hives, and in 2012, the SDF clothing, tools and equipment - and the first 11lb honey Farmer Rodney Beresford at Colt Park with children from Reeth & Beekeeper John Wilkinson contributed to a Gunnerside Primary School with one of the Grinton hives crop has just been collected..

the ‘lack of affordable housing development’ as a threat qualities of the area by the public, it has not gone as those that mentioned ‘building more housing’. un-noticed that only 33% of residents agreed with the statement that we are in touch with and understand the What YOU think Meanwhile, 98% of residents said they had come into needs of local people. Clearly, there are lessons to be contact with one or more of the services provided by The Yorkshire Dales National Park is a special place - learnt. that’s what 97% of you agreed in a survey of 800 the Authority, with 72% having face-to-face interaction National Park residents carried out earlier this year. with a member of staff in the last five years. With regards to keeping in touch, we were also keen to find out how residents like to be informed about our Overall, 60% of residents surveyed said they were This was even more than in the previous two surveys in work. 2009 (91%) and 2004 (94%). satisfied with the way the Authority does its job. At the top of the list are local media, this newspaper and It was good to learn that for a number of our services - Seventy seven per cent mentioned the ‘natural beauty, our other publications, but there is a clear trend National Park Centres, rangers, volunteers and the scenery and views’ as the key special quality, putting this towards people requiring more communication through Dales Countryside Museum - satisfaction levels were way out in the lead over ‘open space, freedom and digital channels - website, social media and over 80%. remoteness’, ‘villages and traditional buildings’ and e-newsletters. This, however, doesn’t apply so much to ‘peacefulness and tranquillity’. Services that still scored higher satisfaction scores than our older residents so we will do our best to maintain a The Yorkshire Dales National Park Residents Survey is dis-satisfaction but were at the lower end of the scale variety of online and offline communications for the carried out every five years to find out residents’ were planning advice and applications (52%) and foreseeable future. consultations (47%). However, it was good to see that awareness of and attitudes towards it as well as the Overall 61% of residents agreed that they ‘feel as those farmers, landowners and tourism business owners National Park Authority, the organisation that cares for it. informed as I need to be’ about the work of the who had actually come into contact with the appropriate Authority. Whilst an overwhelming majority of residents recognise service were more inclined to agree that the National that they live in a special Park Authority gives good Chief Executive David Butterworth said: “In the context place, 60% also think that advice than those that of five years of Government cuts to our budgets which the National Park is faced hadn’t. now total 40% and the consequent reductions we’ve had with threats and to make to staff numbers and services, many aspects of While 76% of residents pressures. the survey are pleasing. agree that we carry out our Unprompted answers to first statutory purpose, to “However, feedback shows that we need to up our game what these threats are conserve and enhance the in some areas. We’ll take that on board and use it to centred on planning and natural beauty, wildlife and help us to continue to improve how we work with and development management cultural heritage of the on behalf of the residents of this wonderful National issues, with 25% National Park and 66% Park in future”. mentioning Government agree we meet our second direction on planning purpose, to promote Read the full National Park residents survey policy. Interestingly, opportunities for the at www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/ exactly the same number understanding and performance of residents (23%) gave A special place. Pen-y-ghent © John Leigh enjoyment of the special

Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, Yoredale, Bainbridge, Leyburn, North Yorkshire Page 5 Dales 2014 Partners working well to Landowners give thumbs up to care for the National Park public access - but issues remain By Alan Hulme, We asked for suggestions to help tackle Last year your responses to our consultation helped create a new National Park Head of Ranger these areas of concern. Although a Management Plan, the document which sets out our ambitions for how the area will be Services quarter felt that there was little the helped to thrive over the next decade and beyond. Authority could do to prevent the issues Landowners and occurring, we will continue to work at The Plan was launched by a partnership of 14 organisations, which include district and managers in the National those we can, such as improving signage county councils, the Environment Agency, Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority and Park believe that increasing the ease of and public education. Natural , as well as representatives of local farmers, landowners and tourism public access to the countryside is businesses. important - but gates being left open and There was very positive feedback about The partnership set 53 objectives to be achieved in the next five years. the behaviour of dogs in the countryside the Authority’s services from those who remain key issues, research has revealed. had had face-to-face interaction - but Twelve months on and funding for nearly 40 local community and economic projects is awareness about the range of services A survey, commissioned this year among the Plan’s successes. we offered was low. through the Yorkshire Dales Local The Ingleborough Dales Landscape Partnership received stage one approval from English Access Forum, aimed to find out more A fantastic four fifths of those who had Heritage for a £2.4 million programme to enhance the wider landscape of Ribblesdale about landowners’ attitudes towards come into contact with our rangers, and Chapel-le-Dale. public access and land management, farm advisors and trees and woodland Ten local apprentices have been taken on through the ‘Dales Rural Trainee Scheme’ identify any concerns and capture any team rated the support they received as [read more on page 3 ] and 250 ‘session places’ were provided to enable local suggestions for improvement, comparing good or very good. 2010 figures. disadvantaged people to undertake activities in the National Park. Nearly half the landowners surveyed had Farmers and landowners entered new Environmental Stewardship Agreements covering The range of land owned was shown to been in contact with their local ranger in over 15,000ha. More than 400ha of woodland has been brought into active management be vast - from less than 10 hectares to the last year and the vast majority were and over 100ha of native, broad-leaved woodland has been planted. over 200 hectares - with 60% of clear how to get in touch with them - respondents having 100 hectares or full details including the areas they cover There is now well over 1mW of installed renewable energy schemes, while 2.6km of more and the majority having public are available on our website at overhead power lines were placed underground through schemes at Ribblehead, Park rights of way crossing their land. www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/ Rash and Beckermonds. rangerservice Landowners agreed that making public And ninety per cent of public rights of way are now ‘easy to use’ access to their land easier - reducing Progress is monitored by a steering group made up of representatives from the physical barriers and creating new routes Only a third of landowners surveyed organisations. - was good, if it was effective for all (37%) had heard of the Local Access concerned and maintained correctly. Forum (LAF), the independent body But they also highlighted some of the that provides guidance on ways to problems they faced, the top four being improve access and recreation in the gates left open, people straying from National Park. paths and climbing over walls, and dogs The LAF is currently recruiting new worrying livestock - the same as in the members - read more on page 6 for 2010 survey. your chance to have your say.

Contact them on 01756 751611 or Our services to you [email protected] Just one fifth of respondents to our New woodlands provide wildlife habitats, landowners survey indicated that they shelter for stock and make it easier to were aware of the services provided by manage land. The Trees and the Land Management Section - although Woodlands Team is putting a call almost three quarters do use services out to landowners interested in that fall under that banner. managing or extending woodlands. They can help you put together Forestry Our Farm Conservation Team Commission Woodland Management provide advice on the grants available to Plans in order to draw down funding, as farmers and landowners, how to apply required by the new Environmental Land for them and help with completing the Management Scheme coming next year. paperwork. They cover all aspects of the Environmental Stewardship Scheme and The team can produce management Sedbergh help with understanding the new Rural plans, access grants from the Forestry Development Plan schemes as they come Commission and the Yorkshire Dales Authority Chairman Peter Charlesworth said: “This is a plan for the National Park, not in, such as the Environmental Land Millennium Trust, and find suitable just for the Authority, and, overall, encouraging - and, in some cases, excellent - progress Management Scheme which incorporates contractors, and they also deal with has been made in the first year. Catchment Sensitive Farming and protected trees. “At the same time, the steering group has identified a few areas of potential concern supports High Nature Value farming Contact them on 01756 751648 or where there has been less progress than hoped and these will be kept under review.” [read more on page 7]. [email protected] One of the objectives is to extend the tourism season and get more visitors to stay The Wildlife Conservation Team overnight with the aim of increasing the value of tourism by 20 per cent in real terms by provide a comprehensive advisory 2020. service on wildlife and associated land Latest figures show that, for 2013, visitor numbers were up by 4.6 per cent on the management, covering conservation previous year at 3.5 million and the total number of days they spent here was 4.55 issues during the planning application million compared with 4.4 million in 2012. The serviced accommodation sector, which process and how to balance looking after includes bed and breakfast businesses and hotels, saw the biggest increase in visitor wildlife with access and recreation. numbers - 8.8 per cent up on the previous year. Contact them on 01756 751627 or The economic impact of visitors has increased both in terms of the actual spend and [email protected] when indexed to 2013 prices. Day visitors generated £104.2m while staying visitors spent Please visit our website www. £109.3m, compared to £96.5m and £103.6m respectively in 2012. yorkshiredales.org.uk to In real terms, the 2013 increase in spend rose by 3.3 per cent compared to 2012. find out more about all the services we offer, the ways we can Follow progress on the National Park Management Plan at Senior Farm Conservation Officer Helen Keep help you and your business and how www.yorkshiredalesmanagementplan.org.uk (left) with Anita Coates on her farm Braida Garth to get in touch. for a Catchment Sensitive Farming event ales National Park Authority, Yoredale, Bainbridge, Leyburn, North Yorkshire DL8 3EL. Call 0300 456 0030 or email [email protected] Page 6 Dales 2014

The parishes in the National Park represented by our Introducing our four parish council-elected Members: LOCAL PLAN four parish council- moves forward elected Members By Peter Stockton, Head of Two new faces have joined the National Park Authority as Sustainable Development parish council representatives. The new Local Plan - the document Neil Heseltine has been confirmed by the Secretary of which sets out our policies for delivering State for the Environment as a Member for Craven sustainable development through planning covering the western ‘Airedale’ group of parishes, while Craven East Craven West decisions - has moved a step closer to completion. Ian McPherson represents South Lakeland. Andrew Colley Neil Heseltine In June we placed a draft version on our website - see They join Harold Brown - representing - www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/draft-local-plan Appletreewick Airton and Andrew Colley - covering Craven’s eastern - and in libraries around the National Park for public view. Arncliffe Austwick ‘Wharfedale’ group of parishes - to complete the four Barden Calton The emerging plan for the next 15 years recognises seats on our 22-strong board which are reserved for Beamsley Clapham-cum-Newby that there are some significant issues facing the parish Members. Bolton Abbey Eshton National Park and its communities in terms of Neil Heseltine is a fourth generation farmer from Malham Bordley Flasby with Winterburn employment opportunity, holding onto community and was educated at Ermysteds Grammar School in Buckden Gargrave services and improving visitor facilities. Skipton and Seale Hayne Agricultural College. He spent Burnsall Giggleswick We invited comment on detailed draft policies from time travelling and working on farms in New Zealand and Conistone-with-Kilnsey Hanlith business, residents, local and national organisations. This Scotland before returning to the area. Cracoe Hellifield follows our earlier discussions about important issues Embsay-with-Eastby Horton-in-Ribblesdale A keen rugby player and cricketer, he is a member of such as the future of quarrying, extending the range of Grassington Ingleton Malham Parish Council and is a former chairman of the visitor accommodation, making better use of traditional Halton East Kirkby Malhamdale Malham Show. farm buildings and identifying sites for new business. Halton Gill Langcliffe Ian McPherson moved to Sedbergh after retiring as a Hartlington Long Preston We had an encouraging response from more than 80 solicitor and became very active in community matters, Hawkswick Malham consultees most of whom welcome the additional first sitting on South Lakeland District Council and then Hazelwood-with- Malham Moor flexibilities and opportunities for appropriate new Sedbergh Parish Council. Starbotton Otterburn development that we are proposing. Hebden Scosthrop Grassington Parish Councillor Andrew Colley joined the Housing is, of course, a perennial issue and relevant to Hetton Settle National Park Authority in 2008. In the latter part of his most other forms of development. There has, Kettlewell-with- Stainforth working life, Andrew ran the four-wheel drive auction therefore, been further discussion about whether our Starbotton Stirton with Thorlby mart in Skipton. He owns a B&B in the village and for existing housing policies should be subject to early Linton Thornton-in-Lonsdale many years kept rare breed sheep. review, particularly in the wake of changes to national Litton policy and the persistent low levels of house building Farmer Harold Brown - chairman of Grinton Parish Rylstone in the National Park. Council since 1975 - is the Authority’s Deputy Chairman Thorpe as well as chairman of the Planning Committee. He is a Threshfield At the time of writing, the Authority is considering member of the Country Landowners Association and whether to include a selective review of housing Yorkshire Agricultural Society. policy as part of the new Local Plan or wait until after the document is adopted next year. This may affect our The National Park Authority’s board consists of 22 Members: timetable to publish the new Plan in early New Year. 16 ‘local’ Members made up of county and district council appointees as well as the four parish representatives, and six ‘national’ Members appointed by the Secretary of State.

Access Forum needs new members For further A group that helps to improve public interests ranging from land management information about South Lakeland Richmondshire access and recreation in the National and agriculture to local business and all our 22 Park is on the lookout for new members. outdoor recreation and meets three Members, their role and Ian McPherson Harold Brown times a year. the committees they sit There are currently eight vacancies on Dent Arkengarthdale on, please visit www. Garsdale Askrigg the independent Yorkshire Dales Access The deadline for applications is 7 yorkshiredales.org.uk Forum. November. Sedbergh Aysgarth /members Bainbridge The forum’s job is to work with For more information contact Burton-cum-Walden individuals and organisations who live Mohammed Dhalech on 01969 652363 or Caldbergh with East and work in the 680 square miles of the [email protected] or visit Scrafton National Park and those who visit the www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/ydaf Carlton Highdale area, and provide Carlton Town guidance on ways to Carperby improve and manage Castle Bolton with access and LITTLE WHITE BUS East & West opportunities for Getting Around the Glorious Yorkshire Dales using our Community Transport. -with- open-air enjoyment in Scheduled services from: Agglethorpe this beautiful landscape. - Hawes to Garsdale Station on 7 days per week Our rst class services include: East Witton - Askrigg to Leyburn from Monday to Saturday Ellerton Abbey This can be anything - Reeth to Keld from Monday to Saturday t 0JMBOEHBTJOTUBMMBUJPO TFSWJDJOHBOE from looking at (Concessions accepted on scheduled services). maintenance Grinton Hawes & High Abbotside mobility issues to * Demand response service available. t /FYUEBZ PęFOTBNFEBZ DBMMPVUBOEĕYFESBUF * Bookable monthly trips from Hawes to places Hudswell suggesting an upgrade TFSWJDFDPTUT of a specific footpath. of interest throughout the year. Marrick * Bookable weekly trips from Hawes to Snaizeholme, t 'JWFQPJOUQSFXJOUFSTFSWJDFBOEJOTQFDUJPO Members also respond Marske & New Forest home to red squirrels. Melbecks to consultations on a * An 8-bike trailer available for access t #BUISPPNJOTUBMMBUJPOQMVNCJOHSFQBJST For more information contact range of documents to a range of family-friendly rides. t #PJMFSSFQMBDFNFOUT BEWJDFBOEVQHSBEFTUP Melmerby !!"#$%"&'(")*+("$,-../&01)$23­5" Muker and strategies issued at Phone: 01969 667400 NBYJNJTFFďDJFODZBOESFEVDFGVFMXBTUBHF Reeth, Fremington & local and national level. Email: [email protected] t #JPNBTTBOE4PMBS3FOFXBCMFFOFSHZTPVSDF Web: !"# $%&'(()*+,-'.­&$!&'!)0 Healaugh The forum should JOTUBMMBUJPOBOENBJOUFOBODF . . . and we welcome volunteer drivers to apply to West Scrafton represent a balance of help us provide these invaluable services. t (BT4BGFSFHJTUFSFE West Witton

Find out more about the work of the Authority at www.yorkshiredales.org.uk Page 7 Dales 2014

Northumberland are particularly interested in developing a Northern Upland Farming Forum, akin to ones in the South West. The forum would be the voice of the upland farmers - putting them in direct contact with politicians FARMING FOR WILDLIFE and policy makers - and would enable the development of Farmers in the Yorkshire Dales National Park are trying to part in an economic study, reviewing financial margins, joint initiatives focused on upland farming. find ways to improve their income - and care for the impact of subsidies and schemes, quantifying the unpaid-for They also want to see a change in the distribution of agri- landscape and wildlife at the same time. aspects of environmental management and detailing the environment scheme payments so that more money is farmers' own perspective on the work they carry out. And they are looking for easier ways to talk directly to targeted at upland areas where the majority of HNV decision makers at national level. The study revealed that profits are marginal - on average farmland is. This targeted support will help sustain the £16,500, compared to the national upland traditional farming techniques, support farm incomes and average of £26,000 - and, because the retain the iconic landscapes and wildlife. majority of farms are also tenanted, investing Read more about High Nature Value farming in the National in new infrastructure or long-term projects Park at http://beta.yorkshiredales.org.uk/hnvf is more challenging. Farmers are working extremely long hours for the equivalent of less than the minimum wage. The livestock enterprise provides 55% of the total farm income, with the remainder coming from Government support payments and diversification. It is this ratio between support payments and total farm income that farmers are keen to address. The long-term aim would be to increase the total farm income, which would enable the farmers to invest in more modern farm infrastructure and renewables like wind turbines and solar panels and would further improve animal welfare. They say there Swaledale sheep and mules at Kidstones © John Akrigg would be additional benefits to the environment such as improved water quality and sustainable, efficient soil and grassland management Many upland hills farms in the Yorkshire Dales contain land classed as High Nature Value (HNV), which means The farmers from the Buckden study and from similar they use low intensity farming systems that are particularly ones in Nidderdale, the north Pennines and valuable for wildlife, the wider environment and people. But this traditional method of farming is more labour and capital intensive and, because they don’t use intensive NEWS IN BRIEF methods - which could pose a threat to some of the sensitive habitats and species - their costs are higher and their income is lower. Share our brand In Buckden parish in Upper Wharfedale, HNV farmers Our five ‘locator’ logos - based on the famous Robin Jessop Ltd Are Specialists have investigated the true cost of their traditional Swaledale ram design - can help identify your business, In The Sale Of Rural Property Throughout The Dales methods. They want to raise awareness of the work they event or product as being in or of the National Park. Contact Tim Gower For A Free Market Appraisal do to manage these important habitats and species, and To find out more and how to apply, please visit 01969 622800 robinjessop.co.uk they hope to highlight issues that need addressing if viable www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/logo traditional farming systems are to continue. DRY STONE WALLING The parish contains 13 nationally and internationally Visitors flock to site important habitats and 29 similarly important species, The Yorkshire Dry Stone Walling Guild runs The peregrine falcon viewing scheme at Malham Cove 2 day (mainly weekend) non-residential including upland hay meadows, calcareous grassland, native - a partnership between the Authority and the RSPB - courses at venues in North Yorkshire. woodland, red squirrel, black grouse and Northern Brown The courses are taught by the Guild’s has welcomed its 200,000th visitor since it began in 2003. approved instructors. Argus butterfly. And two thirds of the farms contain a Site GIFT All details of the courses etc. can VOUCHERS of Special Scientific Interest. Volunteers at the viewpoint provide weekly be found on the Guild’s website: AVAILABLE updates on our special website at John Akrigg, from Manor House Farm in Cray, said: “It’s www.ydswg.co.uk www.malhamperegrines.org.uk - you can also really important to get involved in this kind of discussion If you wish to discuss any aspect of a follow them on Twitter (@malhamperegrine) and the particular course please contact Les Maxwell as a group of farmers. We need to show policy makers (Course Co-ordinator) on 01969 622828 or Malham Peregrine Watch Facebook page. and the public that we are doing a good job looking after email: [email protected] the environment and providing high quality food. We need greater recognition Berry’s Farm Shop & Café - and being termed a High Farm Shop & Deli - Locally sourced, quality produce, home made ready meals Nature Value farmer may Butchery - Specialising in grass fed rare help with this.” breeds, sausages & burgers made on site. Café - Serving delicious Breakfast, Lunch, With funding provided by A!ernoon Tea, Co"ee & Cakes Natural England and help Outdoors - Llamas, Kune Kune pigs, beautiful from the National Park walks to Redmire Falls & along the river Ure EE Authority and local land Open 7 Days a Week COFF www.berrysfarmshop.com [email protected] OR agent Windle Beech t H THIS Swinithwaite, Leyburn, DL8 4UH t 01969 663377 IT Winthrop, the farmers' took W FREE TEA ADVERT

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Follow us at www.facebook.com/yorkshiredales and www.twitter.com/yorkshire_dales Page 8 Dales 2014 Young people discover wild ways to achieve nature award Young people have been getting stuck into all kinds of fun To achieve their award, the 13 to 16-year-olds had to do don’t necessarily have easy access to the National Park. outdoor activities this summer in order to achieve a a minimum of four of the six days of activity offered. “It was very rewarding to work with the group and see nationally-recognised conservation award. The first day at Tom Lord’s farm at Lower Winskill saw the change in them over the weeks. I hope they’ll share Craven Youth Support Services (CYSS) - which works to them discovering wildflower meadows and feltmaking what they’ve learnt with their families and friends and improve life chances for young people in and around the using fleece. bring them back here - not least to see the great sign Skipton area - first brought a group to the National Park they made for Malham National Park Centre!” At Malham they explored Gordale Scar and Janet’s Foss at Easter, when they enjoyed team-building adventure and shared what they’d learnt by printing fabric banners Jane Holdsworth of CYSS said: “This fantastic experience tasks with Settle-based Yorkshire Dales Guides and and a sign to hang at the National Park Centre (pictured). has given them new skills and found something for helped with archaeology restoration work at Conistone. everyone to enjoy, and I think is summed up by this one Nethergill Farm in Oughtershaw was all about Spurred on by this experience, CYSS took up the offer comment: ‘I can’t believe how much I enjoyed it - conservation, learning about agri-environment schemes, from Outreach Officer Catherine Kemp to help keen especially as I didn’t want to come to begin with’!” treeplanting and visiting the bird hide, and carrying out youngsters work towards achieving their first level of a typical farm jobs - worming and weighing lambs, egg John Muir Award. collecting and fleece rolling. Read more about the work of the John Muir Named after the Scottish-American naturalist, born in Trust at www.jmt.org The group also had a day climbing at 1838, who spent years exploring the wilderness areas of Giggleswick and one geocaching and the United States and advocating their preservation, the mapreading at Buckden, with the final day award is an environmental scheme focused on wild places. spent learning how to use these skills to It encourages awareness and responsibility for the natural stay safe in the hills. environment in a spirit of fun, adventure and exploration Catherine said: “We run two awards a year and has four challenges at its heart: discover, explore, with local schools or young people who conserve and share. Local wildlife for local people by Mark Hewitt, Wildlife Conservation Officer residents in developing their own biodiversity projects If you wonder how you can get involved in looking after throughout the National the amazingly diverse wildlife around you then maybe we Park. can help. If you have the land but perhaps not the Our Wildlife Conservation Team runs the Parish Wildlife confidence or the bodies to tackle a Project - a community-based scheme that supports project, or alternatively are keen to get projects in touch with each other. involved in conservation work but don’t have a site of your own, This summer we have run courses on scything and peening that’s where we come in. - the technique for preparing the blades for sharpening using hammers. In the first five years, we have assisted with over 35 projects We’re also holding a workshop on 18 October at a working with small groups of specialist nursery for anyone wishing to get involved in our friends, schools, allotment groups new ‘growing native plants’ project. and charities. A huge amount of Small grants are available to enable people to bring conservation work has been schemes to fruition and maintain them long term, whether achieved from planting a it's planting hedges, building nest boxes or managing kilometre of hedgerow and habitats for bumblebees - as well as, crucially, fencing or bringing 4.5 hectares of grassland walling to prevent stock encroachment. and 1.5 hectares of woodland into good management to Our aim is to see long term, sustainable schemes managed creating two artificial otter holts, by local people for local wildlife. We want them to be two orchards and three ponds. your projects, allowing you to contribute to the very special biodiversity of the place where you live and work. We can offer specialist advice and ideas, training and help in To explore your ideas further, please contact Mark on developing and running activities, 01756 751627 or [email protected]. as well as putting people and One of the scything workshops hosted by Tom Lord on his farm at Lower Winskill in July. RL CONSERVATION MASONRY RESTORATION AND PRESERVATION

Specialists in traditional lime mortars and conservation building. Working on historic, listed, ancient and ecclesiastical buildings. Preserve the past - Protect the future Contact Nick Graham Tel: 01677 450 377 or Mobile: 07546 906 975 [email protected] www.rlconservation.org.uk

Find out more about the work of the Authority at www.yorkshiredales.org.uk