The Westmorland Dales Landscape Partnership Scheme has secured a grant of £2.27million. The funding will go towards conserving and celebrating the geology, wildlife, cultural heritage and limestone landscapes of the area. The scheme will allow more people to connect with and enjoy the landscape. Twenty-one projects focusing on the natural and cultural heritage of the Dales will take place.

Diverse heritage and natural beauty

Nestled between the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales, Westmorland Dales officially became part of the Yorkshire Dales National Park in 2016. It boasts 79 scheduled monuments, 19 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) and two national nature reserves.

[quote=Ros Kerslake, Chief Executive of HLF]“Thanks to the money raised by the National Lottery, we have an opportunity to reveal what makes the Westmorland Dales such a special place.”[/quote]

Extending over 200 sq km, the Westmorland Dales is home to a mix of habitats and an unspoilt pattern of historical settlements and features.

Unspoilt and unique

Carl Lis, Chairman, Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, said: “Following the recent designation of the Westmorland Dales as part of the National Park, this wonderful news gives us the opportunity to create a strong foundation for its future. The resources will help us to promote its special qualities, its tranquil and unspoilt character, and its unique heritage.”

Ros Kerslake, Chief Executive of HLF, said: “Thanks to the money raised by the National Lottery, we have an opportunity to reveal what makes the Westmorland Dales such a special place. This scheme will help to reveal the cultural and natural influences that have shaped the landscape and will provide opportunities for communities, visitors and volunteers to celebrate and share in this remarkable story.”

The scheme is due to start in spring 2019 and will run for four years.