[F]armers and landowners can now receive free expert help and advice by dropping-in to the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority’s new offices in Kirkby Lonsdale and Orton.
Staff from the Authority’s Farm Conservation team will be at the Kirkby Lonsdale office, on Main Street, on the first Monday of the month and at Silver Yard in Orton on the third Monday of the month.
The Trees & Woodlands team will alternate with the Farm Conservation team, setting up at Orton on the first Monday and at Kirkby Lonsdale on the third.
Officers will be available from 11am to 3pm to answer questions about applying for funding and choosing the most beneficial schemes for farmers’ land, ensuring they get the best out of their farm business.
Helen Keep, the Authority’s Senior Farm Conservation Officer, said: “Through these free surgeries, we can offer one-to-one advice on agri-environment schemes and discuss your project ideas.
“At the same time, as both offices are in the new part of the National Park, it will give us the chance to gain a greater understanding of the issues facing farmers locally.”
Geoff Garrett, the Authority’s Senior Trees & Woodlands Officer, said: “Our team can provide support with such things as the creation and management of woodlands – including sourcing suitable grants – as well as advising on all protected tree queries.
“These are drop in sessions – appointments aren’t essential – but it is recommended to call ahead to ensure the appropriate advisor is available as we may be out on site visits.”
The Farm Conservation and Trees & Woodlands teams can be contacted on 0300 456 0030 or by emailing farming@yorkshiredales.org.uk or trees@yorkshiredales.org.uk, respectively.
The Authority shares the Grade ll-listed building at 29 Main Street, Kirkby Lonsdale, LA6 2AH, with the recently relocated Tourist Information Centre. Its phone number is 015242 97177.
Steve Hastie, the Authority’s Area Manager West, is permanently based at the Orton office along with the Area Ranger for Cumbria, Paul Wilkinson, and two Access Rangers. Its full address is Unit 1A, Silver Yard, Orton, CA10 3RQ and its phone number is 015396 26104.
The Authority also holds a regular planning surgery at Orton – as well as at its Grassington and Bainbridge offices, and Sedbergh Community Office – to give free advice to people wanting to do work to their property.
An appointment is essential for these sessions. Full details are available on the Authority website at www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/planning-advice-surgeries
