Transforming local communities – one project at a time
It’s because of the generosity of supporters like you, that YDMT announced its latest round of Community Grants this Autumn, a scheme designed to empower communities across the Yorkshire Dales and Nidderdale to protect and enhance the people, wildlife, and landscape that we all cherish.
Image - Exterior of Leyburn Community Shed
Since 2023, your support has helped YDMT fund over 125 grassroots projects - each one a testament to the power of community and a desire to make a difference.
Earlier this year, we helped bring a new initiative to life in Leyburn - a volunteer-led Community Shed, inspired by the successful ‘Men’s Shed’ movement across the UK. Now part of the Leyburn Arts Centre, this membership-driven space offers a welcoming environment where people of all ages and backgrounds can come together to share skills, learn something new, and swap stories. From hands-on workshops to creative sessions, the Shed is quickly becoming a vibrant hub for social connection and collaboration.
Image - Leyburn Community Shed's workshop
With enthusiastic support from local schools and a growing group of dedicated members, the Community Shed is already making a big impact. In fact, it even hosted a drop-in day for the popular TV programme The Repair Shop shortly after opening! For David Poole, Financial Director and Trustee of Leyburn Arts Centre the impact of the Community Shed has been clear: ‘’This project has brought much needed community support and wellbeing to the Leyburn and District rural community and would not have been possible without the support and grant funding of YDMT. We are already seeing the benefit that the project will bring, with men and women of different ages working together on various projects as they did on the building of the Shed.’’
Elsewhere, our support has meant that the Lime Tree Observatory, a community interest company in the heart of Nidderdale, was able to complete a transformative classroom project that now welcomes larger school groups to explore the wonders of the natural world - from ancient stone circles and Iron Age roundhouses to a fully equipped planetarium.
Image - interior of the classroom at Lime Tree Observatory
“This classroom has made a big difference,” said Martin Whipp of Lime Tree Observatory. “It means children can visit and learn safely, even when the weather turns. It’s the final piece in a project we began in 2020 - and it wouldn’t have been possible without YDMT’s support.”
Craven Wildlife Trust has also benefitted from a YDMT grant, which they’ve used to transform their animal rescue hospital - upgrading to veterinary-grade housing and building vital relationships with local vets and the RSPCA. Co-founder Penny Hunt said: “This grant was the kick-start to raising our standards, profile and the growth of the whole operation. We are extremely grateful for YDMT’s support in that early stage of our development.”
Image - releasing a swan back into the wild (Craven Wildlife Trust)
“Our aim is to build partnerships with passionate people and communities. Together, we can deliver projects that conserve and protect the people, landscape and wildlife of the Yorkshire Dales and Nidderdale,” said Mike Appleton, YDMT’s Grants Officer.
Your support doesn’t just fund grants - it fosters hope, creativity, and connection. It enables YDMT to offer guidance, build relationships, and ensure that every project delivers real, lasting impact.
Discover more about how we’re helping communities across the Dales and our grants scheme at www.ydmt.org/grants.
