The Authority recognises the value of a strong relationship with Parish Councils – the most local democratic representation of opinion – in order to achieve the objectives set out in the National Park Management Plan.
This part of the website is dedicated to supporting and engaging with Parish Councils.
Parish Forums
We have regular Parish Forum meetings for all parishes wholly or partially within the National Park.
The Forums encourage a two-way discussion about any and all National Park issues relevant to Parish Councils. Agendas are agreed in advance to include items requested by the Parish Councils.
Parishes are encouraged to take the opportunity at these forums to share innovative ideas/activities/projects that parishes have done, so that others can learn from them. A slot on the agenda will be available for a Parish Council or other local representative to give a presentation.
Spring meetings are held in person for the three separate areas, and future Autumn meetings by VC, for all parishes.
The Spring Parish Forum meetings this year will be held as follows:-
Northern – Aysgarth Village Hall, Wednesday 22 April 2026 N.B 7:15 – 9 p.m.
The Agenda | Presentation | Minutes
Western – Barbon Village Hall Wednesday 29 April 2026 7-9 pm | Cancelled (due to insufficient attendees registering)
Southern –Grassington DI (Town Hall), Thursday 7 May 2026 7-9 pm
The Agenda | Presentation | Minutes
The Agenda is similar for all 3 parish Forums but local issues will be area specific.
Contact Committees@yorkshiredales.org.uk to Register to attend.
Notes, presentations and briefings from previous meetings can be found on the Parish Forum notes and briefings page.
Our Parish Appointed Members
The membership of the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority is set out in legislation (Environment Act 1995). Of the 25 members, four are appointed by the Secretary of State to represent the parishes in the National Park. Those parish members are:
- Allen Kirkbride
- Neil Heseltine
- Libby Bateman
- Richard Ingram
More details about the parish members can be found here.
If you are interested in becoming a ‘Parish Member’ you can find out more by visiting our ‘How to become a Member’ page and by contacting the Committees Officer on 01969 652364.