Millions invested to improve national park access

Projects to improve access to the Yorkshire Dales National Park have been allocated £13.6m in funding.

They aim to help young people learn outdoors, improve walking routes and support farmers to enhance the landscape.

Grants for the schemes were received from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra), which included money to create and extend important, wildlife-rich habitats.

The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority said it had also planned activities for more than 2,000 students to connect with the outdoors and develop skills.

Chair Derek Twine said: "This wide-ranging programme shows our commitment to supporting the people who live, work and visit here with practical projects that strengthen communities, improve access and care for this special landscape."

Funding will help create five new "miles without stiles" routes that are suitable for a range of ages and abilities.

Repairs to footbridges will also be made to ensure that on average 90% of routes are considered easy to use.

Other projects include continuing the Farming in Protected Landscapes programme for a further three years.

Work will be done with farmers to encourage native broadleaf and mixed woodland, to create a network that increases resilience to climate change and reduce downstream flood peaks.

Schemes will also help farmers to conserve and enhance the distinctive landscape of field barns and drystone walls.

Twine added: "The government's new three-year financial settlement provides welcome stability, and – alongside continued capital investment – gives us the confidence to plan ahead and deliver real, long-term impact.

"By backing farmers and land managers to lead nature recovery while improving opportunities for people to enjoy the national park, we can help ensure the Yorkshire Dales remains a thriving and inspiring place for generations to come."

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