(AGENPARL) – Tue 10 June 2025 Please find our latest news release below.
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Andrew Fagg
Media Officer
Working hours: Mon | Tue | Fri
http://www.yorkshiredales.org.uk
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Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority
Yoredale | Bainbridge | Leyburn | DL8 3EL
News Release
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Grant fund open to applications
Bainbridge, 10 June 2025
People or local organisations looking to improve the environment in the National Park, in ways that will also benefit local communities or the local economy, are being invited to apply to the Sustainable Development Fund, which this year has a budget of £100,000.
The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority is looking to award up to 15 grants before the end of March.
An example of a recent project supported by the fund is “WingIt” in Swaledale, which has seen the creation of nest sites for swifts, swallows and house martins.
Sustainable Development Fund support has enabled WingIt to publish an information leaflet on protecting nest sites during building work, as well as to install QR codes at seven locations – from Keld to Fremington – so people can find out more about the birds, which characterise Dales villages and towns at this time of year. WingIt is also broadcasting live video from swallow nests in Reeth and Low Row (see pictures).
Other recent projects to be supported by the Sustainable Development Fund include Settle Primary School’s sensory playground, accessibility improvements at Ingleborough Cave in Clapham, and Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway’s plan to restore a passenger footbridge at Bolton Abbey Railway Station.
Member Champion for Sustainable Development at the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, Richard Foster, said: “The Sustainable Development Fund supports people to conserve natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage, and to increase access to the special qualities of the National Park.
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Note to Newsdesk
Images (nb. only low resolution stills were possible from the nest cameras):
1 Waiting to be fed – a recent scene from WingIt’s live swallow nest camera in Reeth, a project supported by the Sustainable Development Fund
2 About to be fed – a recent scene from WingIt’s live swallow nest camera in Reeth, a project supported by the Sustainable Development Fund
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 unitary, county and city councillors and members appointed by the Secretary of State for the Environment to represent parishes or in recognition of their specialist skills or knowledge.
1. 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.”