(AGENPARL) – mar 07 febbraio 2023 Please find our latest news release below.
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Andrew Fagg
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Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority
Yoredale | Bainbridge | Leyburn | DL8 3EL
News Release
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Hill farming grants programme extended
Bainbridge, 31 January 2023
A grants programme supporting farmers in the Yorkshire Dales National Park is to be extended by one year.
‘[Farming in Protected Landscapes](https://www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/park-authority/living-and-working/farming/farming-in-protected-landscapes/)’ was due to end after three years in March 2024.
Today the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) said that owing to the success of the programme so far, it would provide additional funding until March 2025 (see page 41 of its [Environmental Improvement Plan](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/environmental-improvement-plan)).
The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority administers the programme in the Yorkshire Dales National Park. In the 18 months of its operation, the Authority has granted a total of £1.4 million through 104 agreements.
One of the outstanding projects to receive a Farming in Protected Landscapes grant is being run by the Orton Fells Farm Cluster Group in the Westmorland Dales part of the National Park. The group has used a grant to develop a local nature recovery plan and run a host of engagement activities such as school visits to farms.
Jane Lane, the Chair of the Orton Fells Farm Cluster Group, said: “We are so grateful for the support which the Orton Fells Farm Cluster has received through the Farming in a Protected Landscape programme and we are delighted to hear that the funding programme has been extended.
“Our original goal was to work together to protect our community and environment. Getting a better understanding of our agricultural management practices has enabled us to focus on combining the best of modern and traditional farming practices to ensure we produce healthy food alongside creating a rich biodiverse network across our farmed landscape.
“The Farming in Protected Landscapes programme has also allowed us to welcome school pupils, students, other farmers and members of our communities onto our farms to discuss and learn how nature can thrive and flourish alongside farming and food production.”
Member Champion for the Natural Environment at the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, Mark Corner, said: “Being asked to administer the Farming in Protected Landscapes programme was an exciting new challenge for the Authority. It has given us a great opportunity to support farmers as they lead the response to the climate and nature emergencies.
“Defra’s announcement gives us another piece of good news to take into the [farming meetings](https://www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/meetings-held-to-assist-dales-farmers/) we are holding at five venues across the National Park in February. Farmers can use a Farming in Protected Landscapes grant to fund projects that will put them in a better position to earn money from the Environmental Land Management schemes that Defra is introducing.
“It’s our job to help local people to conserve and enhance the things that make the landscape of the Yorkshire Dales National Park so special. Having the Farming in Protected Landscapes programme for another year will help us to do just that.”
For more information on the Orton Fells Farm Cluster Group, see http://www.ortonfellsfarmcluster.co.uk or their social media posts using @FellsOrton and #ortonfellscluster
/ends//
Note to Newsdesk
Image: ‘Farmers at an Orton Fells Farm Cluster event at Racy Ghyll, supported by the Farming in Protected Landscapes programme’
1.The Yorkshire Dales National Park is one of 15 National Parks in the UK. It is administered by the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, which has two main purposes: “to conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage” and “to promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the National Park”. In carrying out these purposes, the Authority has a duty “to seek to foster the economic and social well being of local communities”. The National Park Authority comprises 25 members, made up of county and district councillors and members appointed by the Secretary of State for the Environment to represent parishes or in recognition of their specialist skills or knowledge.
2.All of our work is guided by the vision for the future of the National Park set out in the Yorkshire Dales National Park Management Plan: “Through their passion for this special place, local people and businesses will keep the Yorkshire Dales National Park a thriving area. Its unique cultural landscape will be treasured for its stunning scenery, exceptional heritage and wonderful wildlife, and every year millions of people will be inspired to be a part of it.”
For more information on how we are working and for the latest guidance on COVID-19 please visit https://www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/category/covid-19/
Thank you
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