(AGENPARL) – lun 24 luglio 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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Fund supports clean power in Kingsdale
Bainbridge, 24 July 2023
A remote farmstead in the Yorkshire Dales National Park has begun operating a hydro-electric generator, with support from the National Park Authority’s Sustainable Development Fund.
Kingsdale Head Farm – midway between the villages of Dent and Ingleton – was awarded a grant of £26,000, which covered about a third of the cost of the installation.
The fall of spring water down a ghyll behind the farmhouse is being harnessed to create electricity for the farm and its diversification projects, including a holiday let and an education room. Electricity is also being fed into the National Grid sufficient to power a further three homes. The hydro started generating electricity in June.
Jamie McEwan, Conservation and Farm Manager at Kingsdale Head since 2020, said: “The hydro gives us options as to how we develop the farm business. It’s been an expensive project, so it wouldn’t have been possible without the Sustainable Development Fund.”
“One of our big opportunities is to invite people up here to share what we are doing. The hydro scheme is part of the story for the farm and it’s something we can talk to people about.”
Seven Members of the National Park Authority visited Kingsdale Head last week to learn about ‘nature recovery’ on the 600-hectare largely moorland holding.
The Authority’s Member Champion for the Natural Environment, Mark Corner, said: “We have been pleased to support conservation work at Kingsdale Head Farm for many years now. What’s so impressive is the long term commitment to farming in a way that is helping to bring back nature, as well as the warmth of welcome given to groups looking to learn about sustainable land management practices.
“We are delighted that the Sustainable Development Fund has been able to assist the business. This year, we are hoping to support a further 15 projects that benefit local businesses, communities and the environment. I would encourage people to get in touch if they have a project idea. The SDF is just one of several funding schemes that we have available – and we can help people find the right package of support.”
The Sustainable Development Fund – which can support a wide range of projects – is currently inviting fresh applications and has £155,000 to award in the year to next March.
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Note to Newsdesk
The Sustainable Development Fund is now in its 20th year of operation.
The fund committed more than £185,000 in 2022-23, supporting 16 projects with a total cost of £2 million. Since being created, the fund has granted a total of more than £3.4 million to 455 projects.
Image: ‘Jamie McEwan and Mark Corner by the water as it rejoins Backstone Gill after having gone through the new hydropower turbine.’
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.”
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