for the people of the National Park www.northyorkmoors.org.uk New take on finest view in MOST of you will be familiar with Sutton Bank – View towards Hood Hill from you may have driven up it, walked along the edge the of it or simply sat and admired the wonderful panoramic views from the top of this much-visited Dear Residents, place. But how much do you actually know about how this dramatic landform came to be? I HAVE often written about An exciting new exhibition now corner of the North York Moors and farming and tourism in this open at Sutton Bank National Park the northern half of the adjoining column. They are our two Centre reveals the secrets of the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding biggest industries by area and ground beneath our feet and how it Natural Beauty (AONB). Activities employment so I make no has shaped the life of people through have included two excavations at apologies for doing so again. the ages. Boltby Scar hill fort and the setting up of a volunteer group to delve The Authority is shortly to agree into the history of Yearsley Moor. its Business Plan for the next three Lime and Ice Information from these and more are years and we are discussing the included in the exhibition, which will detail of how we work with these The new exhibition marks the industries to make the National Park prove a new attraction and therefore culmination of the five year Lime and a better place. add value for tourism businesses in Ice Project which has been working The Authority’s Farm Scheme, with a variety of communities the area. which has operated in the central and organisations to provide new ‘Lime and Ice’ reflects the influence dales of the North York Moors for opportunities for people to explore, of geology – as in the limestone 25 years, has largely been replaced enjoy and learn about the south-west rock found in the area – and the by national schemes. We are

effect of glaciation on the landscape. Mike Kipling planning new ways of working with Innovative computer graphics will the farmers in the National Park, take you on a journey through 185 them get more out of their visit to the probably a simple park-wide scheme million years to show how these and Dig for treasure North York Moors and surrounding with smaller, more focused capital other elements created the landscape There’s plenty at the exhibition to area but will also reinforce why it’s grants available to all. This may be we know and love today. inspire young minds too, from making such a special place. It’s by no backed by grants targeted at key In addition to looking at the area’s stepping stones for wildlife across a fossil and completing Turner’s means just for visitors though; even if geology, the exhibition also reveals the North York Moors – working sketch of Sutton Bank, to digging for you’ve lived in the area all your life, I some of the human stories from the with land managers to maximise treasure in the archaeology trowel guarantee you’ll learn something new area such as the Sutton Bank ‘road game. Outside, you’ll find a new easy the Park’s biodiversity. These areas that will make you see the familiar in of work scored highly in the public man’ who had a little cabin at the top access trail from the National Park a different light.” consultation we carried out last year. of the bank from which he helped Centre that wends its way out to a The Lime & Ice Project is funded In terms of tourism, the North motorists who got into difficultly new viewing point on the escarpment York Moors is a major draw to coming up the steep hill. You’ll also edge. by Heritage Lottery Fund with this part of but our be able to see objects found in the Jennifer Smith, Lime & Ice additional support from the North visitors inevitably journey to and fro mysterious Windy Pits – a series of Project Officer, said: “Sutton Bank York Moors National Park Authority, across the boundary. We are keen holes in the ground ranging from a National Park Centre welcomes over the Howardian Hills AONB, English therefore to work with businesses in few metres to deep chasms stretching 100,000 visitors each year and this Heritage, Natural England and the the areas around the National Park New exhibition hundreds of metres into the earth. new exhibition will not only help Forestry Commission. as well as those within it to increase visitor numbers across the board. The beauty, richness and variety of the North York Moors area has a huge amount to offer visitors and I am sure we can find a better way of A TREE-MENDOUS OPPORTUNITY promoting it without losing its peace and tranquillity. WITH well over a million trees planted environment, particularly where they so far, the Jubilee Woods project is well will build on our irreplaceable native on track to see its target of six million woods. trees planted to celebrate the Queen’s Linking together or extending small Diamond Jubilee. The Woodland Trust is woods, planting on bracken land or land co-ordinating the campaign which should liable to flooding can all have multiple see hundreds of woods – large and benefits. Planting hedgerow trees or small – planted throughout the country. creating the more open wood pastures Andy Wilson Landowners, schools and communities traditionally found in our uplands can Chief Executive are being encouraged to get involved help safeguard ageing tree populations. (National Park Officer) and make this the year they plant trees Planting in villages can help maintain in their area. that special character of where you live. Published by: The North York Moors is already one If you think your community can help, The North York Moors of the most wooded National Parks but or if you own or manage land which National Park Authority, the Authority thinks that the landscape might be suitable to plant a Jubilee The Old Vicarage, could benefit from more woodland – Wood then take a look at the Woodland Bondgate, Helmsley, but only if planted in the right places. Trust’s website at www.woodlandtrust. Increasing woodland cover is one of org.uk or get in touch with one of the YO62 5BP Tel: 01439 770657 our key priorities and we are keen to Woodland Officers at the National Park support projects that will improve the Authority on 01439 770657. Printed on recycled paper

The text of this newsletter is also available in large print. Tel: 01439 770657

SPOTLIGHT ON 60TH ANNIVERSARY The North York Moors became Britain’s sixth National Park on 28 November 1952 which makes this year its 60th anniversary. Designated because of its variety of beautiful and unspoilt countryside coupled with a wealth of heritage features, the North York Moors joined a growing family of places afforded special protection for all to enjoy. Moorland Festival Much has obviously changed in 60 years but, thanks in a THE moors may seem wild and untamed but in reality they are shaped by man – and sheep! They are also home to rare birds, large part to those who live and work here, the North York and lots of red grouse and are scattered with the marks of past Moors remains a place where the landscape, wildlife, heritage generations from barrows to the much-photographed carved stones and communities are cared for. The next 60 years will no doubt and crosses. bring its own set of challenges. We will continue to highlight the This one-day festival is all about our fabulous heather moors – how it’s managed, the wildlife it supports and the different ways to importance of the natural environment in not only benefitting get out and enjoy it. There will be stalls, demonstrations and activities the economy by providing employment, but also in offering many throughout the day plus a living history group will bring the past to opportunities for health, recreation and learning. life through storytelling, face painting, craft making and food tasting. The National Park Authority has arranged a number of special At Sutton Bank National Park Centre, Sunday 29 July, 11am to 4.30pm. Free entry. events to mark the 60th anniversary of the North York Moors. Discovery Photography Storywriting competition If you’ve ever poured over a map of the North York Moors you won’t have failed to notice that there are some intriguing place names such as Ugglebarnby, Fryupdale and Kettleness. The National Park Authority has teamed up with the New Lyke Wake Club to run a storywriting competition with primary schools in the North York Moors based on places that can be found on an Ordnance Survey Map. The Authority’s education team will work with the children to develop their map reading skills and then it’s over to the kids imaginations to come up with stories about how these places got their name. An exhibition of the stories will be on display later this year. At the Inspired by… Gallery, Danby from Inspired Landscape 24 November to 2 December (weekends Artists have long been attracted to the National Park and the 60th anniversary only) 11am to 4pm. Free entry. celebrations kick off with a very special exhibition from six internationally renowned artists who all share a love of the North York Moors. Inspired Landscape will, for the first time, bring together under one roof the work of painters Peter Hicks, Len Tabner and William Tillyer, glass artists Stephen Gillies and Kate Jones Mariya Bibikova and photographer Joe Cornish. Each artist brings a very different perspective on the landscape, colours and changing light of the North York Moors in what promises to be a truly stunning exhibition. At the Inspired by… Gallery, Danby from 13 May to 17 July, 10am to 5pm. Free entry. Now and Then Terrarium Using photographs and anecdotes from Choreographer Simon Birch has distilled the beauty and wildness people past and present, this exhibition will of the National Park’s moors and coast into an original dance Your Place look back at some of the changes that have performance. Terrarium takes place in a 4.5 metre diameter bubble The North York Moors is blessed with a very taken place in the North York Moors over and highlights the importance of conserving our natural landscape the last 60 years. This is something we’d like talented group of artists who draw inspiration and recognising that all our lives are caught in the cycle of nature. your help with. We’ll be holding a number Performances will take place in August at various locations in the from the different elements of the National of drop-in events later this year to gather Park. Your Place will showcase a wealth of North York Moors including Wykeham Abbey (Wednesday 1), The photos and memories of life in the National Moors National Park Centre, Danby (Thursday 2, Sunday 5 and this home-grown talent in a celebration of Park to be shown in the exhibition. Keep an why the area is such a special place. Friday 10), Sneaton Castle (Friday 3), Kirkleatham Hall (Saturday Both Your Place and Inspired eye on our website for more information or 4), Rievaulx Terrace (Wednesday 8 and Sunday 12) and Kildale contact Amy Thomas on 01439 770657 or At the Inspired by… Gallery, Danby from 21 Landscape have been made Showfield (Saturday 11). [email protected]. July to 19 August, 10am to 5pm. Free entry. possible thanks to an £8,000 At the Inspired by… Gallery, Danby For further information grant from the National Lottery call Yorkshire Dance through Arts Council England. from 24 November to 27 January 2013 (weekends only) 11am to 4pm. Free entry. on 0113 243 8765. Plenty more to see and do Every year the National Park Authority organises by our rangers and volunteers who know the place a wide range of events and activities to encourage like the back of their hand. There are kids events people to explore and find out about the wildlife, for all ages from storytelling and craft activities to heritage and natural beauty of the North York shelter building and rockpooling and at the Inspired Moors. Guided walks vary from short strolls around by… Gallery, you’ll find a changing programme of a village to longer hikes up hill and down dale all led contemporary art exhibitions.

For more information go to www.northyorkmoors.org.uk/events or pick up a copy of the free Out and About Guide which is available from National Park and Tourist Information Centres. You can also request a copy by calling 01439 770657 or emailing [email protected]

PEOPLE IN THE PARK: The butterfly effect

THE beauty and fleeting presence of our native butterflies captivate and delight people of all ages, yet sadly many of our butterflies are in decline. Dave Wainwright from Butterfly Conservation is working with others including the National Park Authority to try and improve habitats for some of our rarer species. Dave is the charity’s regional the way habitats are managed and officer for the north of England, a creating corridors or links between patch that stretches from Yorkshire fragmented populations can in the east to Cheshire in the west give these rarer species a better and up to the Scottish borders. chance of dealing with changes Despite covering such a large area, in climate. Funding from WREN much of his time is spent in the and the National Park Authority North York Moors as it is considered means Dave is currently working something of a ‘hot spot’ for a with a wide range of people number of our most threatened including farmers and gamekeepers butterflies. to enhance existing sites, create Rare butterflies have specific Duke of Burgundy stepping stones between them and habitat requirements and the enable the butterflies to recolonise diversity of landscape in the small environmental changes can ‘lost’ areas. National Park sees many species cause numbers to fall dramatically,” You can do your bit to help too by surviving in small pockets. These he says. “Weather can also play its growing plants such as primroses, include the Large Heath, which part – a wet spell or cold snap at cowslips and violets to plant in key likes the peat bogs of the upland the wrong time can be devastating. sites, giving up some time in the heather moorland, the Small Pearl- If you have a large colony they’re summer to carry out survey work bordered Fritillary found alongside more likely to bounce back, but or simply recording any butterflies moorland streams and the Duke of with our rarer species we’re talking you see. Burgundy that frequents the flower- about tiny, fragmented populations rich grassland in the south of the where the prospect of recolonisation Contact Dave Wainwright on 01388 North York Moors. from another site is very slim.” 488428 or dwainwright@butterfly- Dave likens these rare butterflies While there is little that can be conservation.org. to ‘canaries in the mineshaft’. “Even done about the weather, improving DIGGING DEEP LAST year the National Park Authority granted temporary planning permission to York Potash to carry out exploratory drilling at nine sites in the North York Moors National Park.

The company has expressed an On the one hand, a new potash mine interest in developing a new potash could bring benefits to the local mine in the area and it will use economy not least in the form of the results from the temporary sites jobs. There is however no denying to determine whether to progress the significant impact a mine and its to the next stage of submitting an supporting infrastructure could have application to mine potash from the on the landscape and tranquillity National Park. of the National Park and Heritage Although national planning Coast – an area where tourism is a policies are supportive of exploration big employer. activities to determine the extent of We have, of course, yet to see an mineral resources within the UK, application and there will be many there is a presumption against major big questions to ask before one mineral extraction in protected could be analysed and determined. landscapes like the North York The National Park Authority will Moors unless it is proved that there be drawing on advice and expertise Above and top right: the gate as it was. Bottom right: restoration gets is an exceptional overriding, national from a variety of sources to help underway. interest. determine what is the best course of Although at this stage we don’t action for the communities, wildlife, know where York Potash will choose landscape and heritage of the North to site the mine head, there is a York Moors. We will keep you Restoring Nelson Gate strong possibility that it will be updated as the project progresses IF YOU’VE visited Helmsley in the last year, you may have wondered why the within the National Park boundary. and will let you know how you can impressive arch situated just outside the town on the A170 towards Thirsk has However, even if the extraction share your thoughts. been covered in scaffolding. infrastructure is outside, the mineral resource itself lies beneath the Built in 1806 as a War Memorial to below. Deterioration had been exacerbated protected landscape of the North Potash is a generic term meaning commemorate Lord Nelson’s victory by the use of iron cramps which had rusted, York Moors and its extraction would potassium bearing rocks and it is widely at Trafalgar, Nelson Gate, as the arch is split and disintegrated the stone. used around the world as a fertilizer. known, also provided Duncombe Park with Expert advice suggested that even if still require a planning application. a suitably imposing entrance from the south. conserved, the original stonework of the We are more than aware that this is Currently the only potash mine in the UK The Gate is thought to be one of the earliest Gate would continue to decay. It was an important issue for those who live is that owned by Cleveland Potash Ltd. at monuments to be dedicated to Nelson, built therefore decided that the best course of in and around the North York Moors. Boulby in the north of the National Park. only a year after his death in 1805. action would be to replace the decaying Nelson Gate is in the form of a stone. Work started in July 2011 and the triumphal arch with Tuscan three-quarter project is due to finish in May 2012. columns and other features which are Barry Hearsey, Building Conservation very much characteristic of the neoclassical Officer at the National Park Authority, period. The arch is built of local calcareous said: “The restoration will ensure that this sandstone with wrought iron gates and side monument to a national naval hero will screens. continue to make a significant contribution A survey of Nelson Gate carried out to the scenic quality of the landscape on the in 2011 highlighted that parts of the southern approach to Helmsley.” stonework were extensively decayed – a The restoration of Nelson Gate has problem that is characteristic of this type of been made possible by funding from the stone. A hard surface crust had developed War Memorials Trust, the Country House that in many places had broken away Foundation, Yorkshire Gardens Trust and A temporary drilling rig at Hawsker revealing soft, poorly cemented stone the National Park Authority. Affordable housing NEWS IN BRIEF success for the Park Moorsbus THE North York Moors is one of the most expensive parts of the region to The Wilson live with average house prices now over £250,000. family MOORSBUS is on the road on Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays This means that many people are The National Park Authority is a have been completed and are already until 28 October. The cost of local unable to afford to continue living in partner in the North Yorkshire Rural occupied by local people. All the units fares and single journeys is staying the area which can have a negative Housing Enabler Programme which it are tied through legal agreements to the same but the price of an all-day impact on the sustainability of local helps to fund. Rural Housing Enablers ensure that they remain affordable to ticket has increased by £1. services such as schools and shops, as work closely with local parish councils local people in perpetuity. For more information on routes, well as the loss of social networks. The to identify land for the development Helen and David Wilson and their prices and timings, pick up a Authority takes the issue seriously and of affordable housing to meet the three children Eleanor (8), Isaac (4) timetable from National Park and has devoted considerable resources needs of the local community. Since and Edward (2) recently moved into Tourist Information Centres, go to to working with local communities to 2006, a total of 101 new homes one of 12 new affordable homes built www.northyorkmoors.org.uk/ find sites where it can give planning have been given planning permission in Thornton-le-Dale. David’s parents moorsbus or call 01845 597000. permission. in the National Park, of which 77 live in the village and he works in Wykeham. Previously, they were Affordable housing at living in a cramped two-bedroom Thornton-le-Dale property in Pickering. “We were so pleased when Sanctuary (Housing) told us the house Car park permits was ours – especially Eleanor who no IF YOU own a B&B, hotel or self longer has to share a bedroom with If you have a site which you think catering property, you might want her younger brothers,” said Helen. may be suitable as an exception to make your customers aware “It’s such a friendly community, the site for 100% affordable housing school’s brilliant and it’s easier for development for local people that the National Park Authority David to get to work. It’s a dream or a parish who would like help has introduced a weekly car park house with views over fields both front to identify possible sites please pass. It costs £20 and can be used and back; I have to keep pinching contact the following Rural at the following car parks: Sutton myself that this is now our home.” Housing Enablers: Bank National Park Centre, The Other recent developments include Amanda Madden (Hambleton) Moors National Park Centre at 11 affordable homes completed in 01609 767048 Danby, Hutton-le-Hole, Thornton-le- February 2012 at Glaisdale, six Colin Huby (Scarborough and Dale, Goathland, Grosmont, Newton homes completed in Lythe at the end Ryedale) 01723 232323 ex 2945 under Roseberry and Saltergate. of July 2011 and eight completed in (Scarborough), 01653 600666 ex Please call in to either Sutton Bank March 2011 at Hinderwell. 354 (Ryedale) or The Moors National Park Centre for more information and to buy a pass. Spotlight on FULL STEAM AHEAD FOR TORCH RELAY See you at the show! the moors MONDAY 18 June will see the Olympic Flame come to the North York Moors on its whistle stop tour of the UK ahead of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. THE National Park Authority will FOLLOWING an extensive consultation have a stand at the following shows period, a new management plan for the Starting in Middlesbrough If you’re planning to catch a 15 National Parks with a range of this summer. Feel free to drop in North York Moors is set to be agreed on the morning of the 18 June, glimpse of the Flame as it travels events taking place up and down and have a chat. Cleveland Show the Torch Relay crosses into through the National Park, why the country that will inspire you to by the Authority’s Members in May (28 July), Ryedale Show (31 July), the National Park at Loftus and not combine it with a walk or cycle get active in these beautiful places. 2012. Among other things, the new plan Thornton-le-Dale Show (8 August), calls at Hinderwell, Lythe and ride? In the North York Moors Danby Show (15 August), Rosedale highlights the importance of tourism to Sandsend before getting on board Call in at Sutton Bank National events include free guided Show (18 August), Egton Show (22 the economy of the National Park and the the North Yorkshire Moors Railway Park Centre or The Moors National walks, a minibeast hunt and challenges the sector is currently facing. at to travel in style through Park Centre at Danby for guides to an animalympics at The Moors August), Bilsdale Show (25 August), Increasing the number of visitors to the heart of the North York Moors walking and cycling in the National National Park Centre where you Kildale Show (1 September), the National Park, the length of time to Pickering. From here it heads Park. can take part in the salmon leap, Castleton Show (8 September), they spend here and the amount of out to Scarborough and then on to This year’s National Parks Week the woolly jumpers race and more! Stokesley Show (22 September). money they spend will not only help Hull. For more information go to (30 July to 5 August) celebrates attractions and accommodation providers www.london2012.com. the winning landscapes of the UK’s Information on events in the North but will have knock on benefits on other York Moors can be found at www.northyorkmoors.org.uk/events and in the UK’s other National Parks at www. local businesses too. This is why, despite national parks.co.uk. cuts in funding, the Authority is putting Online planning additional resources into raising the profile DID you know that you can apply for of the North York Moors and highlighting planning permission online through the great offer it has for visitors. the Planning Portal? Twenty five percent of all the applications we receive are now via Raising awareness the portal and submitting forms in Catriona McLees has joined the this way helps the Authority cut down Authority from Welcome to Yorkshire on printing, postage and admin. to work with various organisations to costs. You will need to register with strengthen the brand of the North York the site but once you have you Moors, raising awareness of the natural can fill in the application forms, beauty, cultural heritage and wonderful attach supporting documents and local produce found in the area. pay application fees all online. Go to She also wants to increase awareness www.planningportal.gov.uk for more of the National Park’s attractions, heritage information. and recreation opportunities amongst If you don’t have access to the those who live in the area so that you can internet, you can call in at the not only make the most of what’s on your Authority’s office in Helmsley or doorstep, but also help promote the area call 01439 770657 for applications to your friends and family. related to the National Park. Jim Bailey, Chair of the National Park Authority, said: “Building on the brand of the North York Moors will benefit local EACH parish forum is attended by the Dates for next meetings businesses and communities so if there Authority’s Chief Executive or senior SOUTHERN at 7pm Tuesday 15 May, Thornton-le-Dale management plus the Chair or Deputy is a particular element you think deserves PARISH Methodist Church Chair. Members of the public are more than greater recognition, do let us know. Word WESTERN at 7.15pm Tuesday 22 May, Carlton in Cleveland welcome to attend but advance notice of any of mouth and personal recommendations Village Hall questions you may have would be welcome so COASTAL at 7pm Thursday 31 May, St Hilda’s Church, Ravenscar are often the best forms of advertising so FORUM that we can give a full answer. increasing awareness of the area’s appeal Minutes of previous parish forum meetings The May Northern Parish Forum has already taken place. amongst those of us who live here is just can be found at www.northyorkmoors.org. The next round of parish forum meetings will be in November but as important as targeting people from DATES uk/parish-forums there will be a joint meeting of all the parish forums in July. further afield.”

Moors Messenger is printed on paper which is recycled and certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. The paper’s production and distribution is offset by the World Land Trust.