The Westmorland Dales, the area of the extended Yorkshire Dales National Park to the north of the Howgills, is home to an exciting new scheme.  Funded by Heritage Lottery it aims to reveal the area’s hidden heritage, conserve its distinctive character and encourage people to enjoy and appreciate its unique qualities.

The partnership behind the scheme, including Eden District and Cumbria County Councils, is led by Friends of the Lake District, working closely with the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority and other partners.  Two people have been taken on to lead the scheme’s development over the next year. Development officer David Evans and community engagement officer Nicola Estill.

This is a brilliant opportunity to promote this part of Cumbria and help sustain its many tourism businesses whilst being sensitive to local needs.  We are developing a range of projects under the broad themes of archaeology, geology, natural environment, built heritage and local history, local paths and long distance routes, farming and tourism. We are keen to work with local businesses, local community groups, schools, churches and the farming community during this development phase. We would love to know if you or your group would like to be involved and influence the development of these projects.

We will be attending various local events and meetings this year and would like to hear your views. Please come along and talk to us at Ravenstonedale Parish Council’s meeting on 8th June, the Greenholme show on 10th June, the Yorkshire Dales National Park consultation event at Orton on 13th June and other events. Please keep an eye on the website link below for more information and volunteering opportunities:  www.thewestmorlanddales.org.uk

Anyone interested is encouraged to contact David or Nicola at Friends of the Lake District on 01539 720788 or by email [email protected]; [email protected].