Supporting Nidderdale National Landscape

We’re delighted to tell you more about Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust (YDMT), and our work in Nidderdale National Landscape (NL).  

Here at YDMT we know that working in partnership with others is more critical than ever in the face of unprecedented threats to our wildlife and ecosystems. Through our partnership with Nidderdale National Landscape we're helping to support the special landscape in this designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty - its habitats and wildlife, and fascinating cultural heritage.

 

Restoring wildflower meadows in Nidderdale National Landscape 

Meadows cover just 1% of land in the UK but can be home to thousands of species of pollinators and other insects. 

YDMT and Nidderdale NL joined forces to form the Nidderdale National Landscape Grasslands Project in 2024. The project aims to conserve and restore species-rich hay meadows and improve the ecological value of grasslands across Nidderdale National Landscape – providing new homes for bees, butterflies and other wildlife and helping to safeguard some of our most scarce native wildflowers.

Working with farmers and landowners the project aims to restore 50 hectares of species-poor grassland every year over the next three years. We will also train volunteers to carry out grassland surveys and help local communities and other groups to learn about our meadows and wildflowers and help to protect them.  

 

Woodlands 

Planting trees is one of the best ways we can protect the health of our planet for future generations. And it’s very close to our hearts at Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust. We first started planting trees 25 years, joining forces with other organisations to expand native broadleaf woodlands across the Dales and Nidderdale NL.

Since 2016 we've planted over 20,000 trees in Nidderdale NL. Most of these schemes are smaller scale woodlands of all shapes and sizes, including copses, connective planting and hedgerows as well as riparian strips along riverbanks. Smaller scale woodland creation is normally underfunded and overlooked, but has immense value for people, landscape and wildlife. These woodlands will absorb carbon, connect habitats, improve water quality and reduce flooding, as well as providing beautiful spaces for people to enjoy.

 

Supporting communities in Nidderdale National Landscape

YDMT Grants support community projects in the Yorkshire Dales and Nidderdale National Landscape, with the aim of improving community cohesion, reducing the impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss, and helping to conserve and protect our fantastic built and cultural heritage. 

In the past two years the scheme has supported a wide range of community initiatives - from funding a new piano for Nidderdale Community Choir to supporting curlew conservation projects at Darley Beck and Hartwith. 

In 2023 the Nidderdale Plus Partnership received a grant of £6,528 to help establish a new befriending service for vulnerable older people in the local area. The organisation provides a range of services, including transport, digital skills training, meals on wheels and days out, to address social isolation and promote wellbeing amongst older residents.

 

 

Learn more about our work 

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