Following the recent devastating flash flooding in and around Swaledale, the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority (YDNPA) Rangers and volunteers and our Farm Conservation Team are keen to help.
Head of Park Management, Alan Hulme, has asked landowners, farmers and walkers to report damage caused by the flooding to footpaths and bridleways. He said: “If people let us know where the damage is, we can get out and inspect it quickly. Once we know the extent of the damage, we can start discussing with landowners about the best way of going about getting things repaired. To report damage please contact Area Manager, Matt Neale at matt.neale@yorkshiredales.org.uk or on 01969 666225.”
Meanwhile, YDNPA Senior Farm Conservation Officer, Helen Keep, said: “Our Farm Conservation team are working with the Dales Farmer Network who are in contact with affected farmers. We have requested their help in gathering information about the amount of damage on farms; such as losses of silage/hay and animals, walls and buildings, farm tracks, access bridges and machinery. We are particularly interested in assessing the level of flood damage for items that are not covered by insurance. Your information will help us build a picture of the level of damage caused by the flooding and we will be working with the Farmer Network to see whether it is possible to get emergency funding. In the meantime, we would advise you to take photos and video of the damage.
Please send details of the damage to the Farmer Network, either by emailing info@thefarmernetwork.co.uk or calling 01768 868 615.
“The Farm Conservation team are also making themselves available to landowners and farmers to help with any paperwork relating to Agri-environment Schemes and Derogation Orders over the coming weeks.”
