The Yorkshire Dales National Park has made encouraging early progress against its 2025-30 Management Plan, according to its first annual report, having recorded solid headway on 21 of the plan’s 40 goals, with 13 more heading the right way.
The report credits collaboration between farmers, businesses, community groups, councils, charities and public bodies for gains including £1.5m handed to farm businesses via Defra’s Farming in Protected Landscapes fund, early-stage restoration on another 2,275 hectares of damaged peatland through the Yorkshire Peat Partnership, 40km of hedgerow planted or restored since 2022, support for more than 120 community groups, and outdoor learning that connected over 6,000 young people with nature.
Barring second homes and holiday lets
A new Local Plan requirement that all new homes be lived in as a “principal residence” — barring their use as second homes or holiday lets — is also highlighted as a way of ensuring new development benefits local people directly.
Michael Devlin, Chair of the National Park Management Plan Partnership, said: “This report shows what can be achieved when organisations, businesses, farmers, landowners, community groups and residents work together towards a shared vision for the National Park. Much of this progress is down to the people who manage and care for this landscape every day. From restoring peatlands and planting hedgerows to improving habitats and supporting local communities, farmers and land managers are playing a vital role in shaping the future of the Yorkshire Dales. We have also seen encouraging signs of how the National Park can really contribute to healthier communities.
“Through the ‘”‘Natural Health Service'”‘ for North Yorkshire, people living with a range of health conditions have been supported to spend time in the Dales, helping improve their physical health, mental wellbeing and social connections. So, while the report highlights major environmental gains, it also shows the positive difference the National Park is making to people’s lives, supporting businesses, inspiring young people, improving wellbeing and helping communities thrive. There is still more to do, but these achievements provide a strong foundation for the years ahead and underline the value of the Yorkshire Dales as both a protected landscape and a place people proudly call home.”
