People are being given the chance to get involved in a £2.5 million project to create a sustainable future for the Skell Valley.
The project focuses on improving a 12-mile stretch of the river from Dallowgill Moor to Ripon and includes the World Heritage Site of Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal.
High levels of silt deposits threaten the ecology and poor water quality has led to a decline in nature.
The project is being co-led by the National Trust and Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
To mark the start of the project, a free celebratory event will take place between 1pm and 4pm on Saturday, September 11, at Ripon’s Hell Wath Nature Reserve.
Activities taking place will include stream dipping and guided nature walks, natural wool dyeing sessions and a display of historical archives.
Refreshments and ice cream will be available.
Children attending should be accompanied and supervised by an adult.
The event is designed to highlight the role that the community, alongside farmers and landowners, can play in the four-year Skell scheme.
Project manager Nabil Abbas said:
“The project is all about working with the local community to improve this rich and beautiful landscape’s resilience to climate change, boost the local economy and increase people’s access to green space following the coronavirus pandemic.
“I hope everyone will join us on September 11 as we celebrate the start of this innovative project.”
Volunteers wanted
Project partners and local community groups will be on hand to lead activities, talk about their organisations and answer questions.
There will also be opportunities for people of all backgrounds, abilities, and interests to get involved. Volunteer roles are currently being recruited in nature conservation and archive research.
Details of the project.
Mr Abbas said:
“Volunteering offers fantastic opportunities for those wanting to develop practical conservation skills, learn about wildlife management or who might even want to follow a career in habitat conservation. It’s also a great way to meet like-minded people, help safeguard our beautiful landscape, and try something new.”
Read more:
- Signs that Curzon is going to reopen its Ripon cinema
- Pilgrims to walk from Ripon Cathedral to Fountains Abbey
For those interested in the history of the Skell Valley, volunteers are needed for the Digging Deep in the Archives project being run by the West Yorkshire Archives Service.
No prior booking is required for people planning to attend the event.
