Wildflower restoration project begins in Yorkshire Dales
The Jewels of the Dales project aims to restore species-rich grasslands across the Yorkshire Dales National Park
A new initiative to restore wildflowers in the Yorkshire Dales National Park is starting.
The Jewels of the Dales project aims to boost wildflower populations and promote eco-friendly livestock farming in the park.
Two project officers are working with farmers and local partners, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, to look at what areas should be restored and how.
A one-year setup phase has received over £200,000 in funding, aiming to eventually lead to long-term investment.
Mark Corner from the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority said: “We would like ‘Jewels of the Dales’ to be our next flagship nature recovery project, where we work with farmers and partners such as Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust to protect the biodiversity we still have, and increase it.
“Farmers in National Parks are now being incentivised to practice low input, or nature friendly, farming. That’s the context for Jewels of the Dales.
“Our aims are to support the production of high-quality livestock and food from flower-rich grasslands, and to create opportunities for people to enjoy the Dales’ natural heritage and learn more about why this sort of farming is so important."
He said he hopes the Yorkshire Dales National Park will end up being "home to the finest variety of wildlife in England".