Environment is a hot topic right now. Few issues are as current or in the public mind as the preservation of our green spaces. AONBs (Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty) are areas set aside for their significance as a conservation area; England, Wales and Northern Ireland are home to 46 such AONBs. One in particular – Nidderdale on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park – is one of the north’s most iconic and beautiful landscapes. The public conservation group that looks after the land has just received a £8,800 HLF grant to continue its fantastic work.
About the Friends of Nidderdale AONB
Friends of Nidderdale AONB promote the work in the area, conserving it for future generations for everyone’s benefit. But, a new scheme looks to improve the organisation’s outreach and create a sustainable future for the group. Called “Stronger Friends in Nidderdale AONB”, it wants to invest the money in a business plan for improving future viability. The Friends group has already reached a broad audience and successfully made local people aware of the work that they do. However, that now that needs to go to the next level, to improve its cash generation and outreach. This money will certainly help.
The AONB hosts:
- 11 reservoirs
- Over 500 listed buildings from hundreds of years of local history
- A World Heritage Site including Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal
- Other historic monuments such as Hackfall and Jervaulx Abbey
- In addition, more recent history includes mines and other signs of Yorkshire’s industrial past
- Important habitats for internationally recognised rare and endangered species
Not to mention all the attractive towns and villages to which the Friends of Nidderdale AONB wish to highlight on your visit. This is the quintessential Yorkshire, a place people want to remember and preserve for future generations. With this grant, the volunteer group can go about improving their outreach.