£13.6M Boost for Yorkshire Dales Outdoors

Projects aimed at improving access and conservation within the Yorkshire Dales National Park have been awarded £13.6 million in funding. These initiatives, supported by grants from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra), focus on crucial areas such as outdoor education for young people and the enhancement of walking routes. The funding will facilitate the creation of five new "miles without stiles" routes, accessible to a wider range of ages and abilities, alongside essential repairs to footbridges to ensure ease of use.

Furthermore, the allocated funds will bolster agricultural support programs, extending the Farming in Protected Landscapes initiative for an additional three years. Farmers will collaborate on projects to promote native woodland creation, thereby increasing climate change resilience and mitigating flood risks. Conservation efforts will also concentrate on preserving the park's distinctive field barns and drystone walls. These comprehensive projects underscore a commitment to strengthening communities, improving visitor access, and safeguarding the unique landscape for future generations.