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05
Dec 2022
Last Updated: 05/12/2022
Asylum seekers begin volunteering projects in Harrogate district
Pic: Matt Trevelyan
Nidderdale AONB story
Asylum seekers from countries including Iran and Syria have been taking part in a conservation project in the Harrogate district.
The participants have no right to work in the UK while their asylum claims are assessed so they undertook volunteering at Nether Timble Farm, Swinsty to get exercise and regain a sense of purpose.
Those taking part are skilled workers, such as software programmers, digger drivers, electricians and farmers, in their own countries.
Abdul Aziz, Hysni Latif, Ali Reza, Imran and Salih from Syria, Iran, Turkey and Sudan took part in coppicing work at the farm with Josh and Rowan from Leeds Coppice Workers.
Coppicing is a traditional method of woodland rejuvenation that is both productive and good for nature. The group worked hard creating a number of coppice products, including stakes and weaving rods for hedge-laying and bean poles for the garden.
The scheme is part of Nidderdale AONB’s farming in protected landscapes funded project. It is the first of six outings planned to take place throughout the next year. Future visits will offer opportunities to take part in hedge-laying, dry-stone walling, as well as visits to working farms.
Matt Trevelyan, farming in protected landscapes officer at Nidderdale AONB, said:
“Being outdoors is proven to boost mental and physical well-being, and the group really appreciated the day out in the AONB, which despite being a rather grey day in November saw the sun peek out from behind the clouds — the landscape looked its moody best!”
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