The Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust

The Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust, was set up in 1996 and is based in Clapham currently with 14 members of staff. We work with a range of partners including The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, National Trust, Forestry Commission, Woodland Trust, Environment Agency, Youth Hostel Association, Field Studies Council, Learning Skills Council, District Councils, Craven College, landowners, farmers, community groups and others to grant aid conservation and training skills projects in the Yorkshire Dales. 

To date (March 2004) we've delivered over 600 projects worth more than £11m in 6 years..

EnviroNet, In our first year, we were awarded £4m from the Millennium Commission for a 4 year programme of projects to conserve the natural and built heritage of the Dales, known as EnviroNet. Over the 4 years, additional funding of £5m (secured through partner agencies, applicants, European funding) was attracted into the Dales.

350 projects were completed, benefiting the local economy, as labour and materials were sourced locally wherever possible.

There were 12 categories of projects including wildlife conservation, walls and barns, village and access improvements, and historical features.

Dales Living Landscape, In 2001 we started work on a three year programme called Dales Living Landscape and are now well on track to complete this in March 2004.

One project that was jointly funded in 2002/03 by the Heritage Lottery Fund and the National Park Authority was the Malham Access Heritage Strategy

Dales Heritage Education and Training

The aims of this project are to help local businesses benefit from heritage conservation funding; to teach skills which lead to jobs in harmony with the local environment; to develop the potential of volunteers; to provide learning experiences for groups under-represented in their use of the area; and to develop links between training providers and employers.

The project is being delivered (with the current programme due to end in March 2004) by an enthusiastic and committed partnership of local training providers, employers and statutory and voluntary organisations, co-ordinated by the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust. Co-funding has come from these partners, Yorkshire Forward and a Heritage Lottery Fund grant obtained through YDMT.

Dales Countryside Apprenticeship, A Modern Apprenticeship, with National Park and Craven College, leading to an NVQ Level 2 in Environmental Conservation enriched by additional practical, health & safety and business skills training.

Dales Specialist Traineeships, A 12-month practical placement with English Nature at Ingleborough National Nature Reserve developing skills as a conservation officer and nature reserve manager.

A 12-month practical placement with the Field Studies Council at Malham Tarn aimed at developing the skill and experience for further employment in environmental education.

Specialist courses for contractors, professionals and volunteers Programmes of practical conservation training courses in dry stone walling, slate stone roofing, use of lime mortar, tree wardening, hedgelaying, museum conservation, farmland nature conservation, first aid, public access, and archaeology.

Courses for life-long learners, A range of new accredited courses with Craven College and the School of Heritage Studies.

Courses for all, Opportunities for disadvantaged groups to learn about and enjoy the heritage of the Dales including local schools, regional schools, ethnic minority groups and youth groups.

For further information on the work of the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust, or to make a donation to support the work of the Trust please visit our website or contact Isobel Hall on 015242-51002 or by e-mail

The Heritage Lottery Fund gives grants for a wide range of projects involving the local, regional and national heritage of the UK, helping communities to celebrate, look after, and learn about our diverse heritage.'

The Rural Trades Network aims to actively promote and develop employment and training opportunities in rural trades, including construction, heritage, countryside and conservation skills, in the Yorkshire Dales and surrounding rural areas. At the heart of the project is an online, interactive register of businesses and individuals who have these skills to offer. Also on the register are details of local training opportunities, and of upcoming building and land-based projects. So, whether you are a skilled tradesperson, someone thinking of starting a trade business, or perhaps an employer or property owner who needs someone to fulfil a contract, we might be able to help you.

For more information on how you register your business, or to search our skills database, visit the website at www.ruraltrades.org.uk