⚠️ Archived Content
This page relates to the 2019–2024 National Park Management Plan, which is now archived. For the latest aims and objectives, please visit the 2025–30 Management Plan landing page.
Through ‘Great Place: Lakes and Dales’ deliver a programme of research and investment in local culture, arts and heritage so as to retain and attract younger people and businesses to the rural corridor linking Skipton to Grasmere.
How the local partners are doing on this objective
Many of the original high-level programme aims were achieved. Through initiatives such as the ‘Play Work Stay’ residential, ‘Innovate Your Offer’ workshops and ‘A Future for Culture’ cultural democracy learning programme, the programme offered group and individual support and guidance, developing knowledge and confidence to help local young people connect, create and sustain skills for future careers and wellbeing. Projects supporting and connecting with young people – such as The Fold, Folded Zine, Fresh Perspective and the Branching out and Acorn funding schemes – provided opportunities for young people to develop creative careers.
Rationale: The National Park has a disproportionately low number of younger, working age people (18-44). Arts Council England and the Heritage Lottery Fund have awarded Craven and South Lakeland District Councils £1.34 million for a project to boost the local economy through celebrating local culture, arts and heritage. The project is focused on the rural corridor linking Skipton in the south to Grasmere in the north, including the market towns and rural hinterlands, extending into the western side of the National Park.
Lead partner: North Yorkshire Council
Supporting partners: Westmorland & Furness Council; Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority; Chrysalis Arts; Grassington Festival;
Further information: Lakes and Dales;
Cost over 5 years: £1,400,000
Funding shortfall: None
Related objectives: A7; A9; E2; E5; E6; E7; F1; F2; F6
Ecosystem services: Sense of place and inspiration; Sense of history
Trade-offs: Attracting more residents and developing housing, new infrastructure and new business will all have potential impacts on the environment and existing amenities in the National Park. These will be identified and moderated through the application of the policies set out in the Yorkshire Dales Local Plan.
Baseline: ‘Great Place: Lakes and Dales’ was launched in August 2017.