Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust

The Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust (YDMT) was originally conceived  by the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority and has worked since 1996 to support the environmental, social and economic well-being of this special area. YDMT is a Charity with a board of trustees drawn from a wide range of interests and areas, united by a commitment to the Dales. They have nearly 20,000 donors around the world who support their work.

Conserving the physical heritage features which make up the Dales landscape has been the core of YDMT’s work. Over the last 8 years they have helped more than 600 individual projects worth £14 million. These have included barns, walls, historic buildings and features of all shapes and sizes, village halls, woodlands, and wildlife habitats.

Their role has widened over the years – catalysed by the outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease in 2002. They are now helping with issues as diverse as countryside apprenticeships, supporting local contractors, encouraging sustainable development, social exclusion, education, and trying to engage communities in nearby conurbations with the Dales. Not restricted geographically, they have also begun to work more across North Yorkshire.

One of the principles behind YDMT was to allow the many people who love the Dales to contribute to the well-being of the area. Through the new 'Donate to the Dales' appeal, everyone is able to help. Visitors can purchase pin-badges and register as donors through 150 sales points in local businesses – real sustainable tourism. Larger donors can also contribute directly to individual projects. This appeal was launched officially by YDMT’s Patron HRH The Prince of Wales on March 22nd 2005. The aim is to raise at least £1 million over three years.

Examples of current and future work

Heritage conservation

Capital projects to conserve the landscape remain the cornerstone of YDMT’s work. Recently they supported several woodland planting schemes, barn restoration, hedgelaying, riverside conservation and a school wildlife garden.  

Learning in Limestone Country

This aims to inspire new groups of people to visit, learn about, be inspired by, and so care about, our wonderful limestone country. YDMT is providing teaching staff, materials and transport for schools and community groups both locally and in the nearby deprived wards of Bradford, Keighley and North Lancashire.

Countryside Apprenticeships

Creating opportunities for young people to remain in the area, managing the landscape, is a priority. The YDMT’s scheme of training and work experience has ‘placed’ 8 people with organisations such as Bolton Abbey Estate.

North Yorkshire Aggregates Grants Scheme

YDMT can help with a range of community and environmental projects that compensate North Yorkshire communities for the impact of aggregate extraction. YDMT administers this fund on behalf of North Yorkshire County Council, the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority and the North York Moors National Park Authority.

Sustainable Development Fund

Help is available for businesses and individuals with new ideas for living and working sustainably in this protected landscape, through these Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority and Nidderdale AONB funds which YDMT assist them to manage.

Rural Trades Network

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A website-based scheme to put local contractors in touch with potential customers, training providers, advisors – and each other.

For contact details and to find out more about the work of the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust visit the YDMT website (opens in new window).