JT Atkinson, an independent builders’ merchant with more than 150 years’ experience in the supply of building materials, has partnered with Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust (YDMT) to sponsor the Flowers of the Dales Festival.
The family owned business, with 29 branches located across North Yorkshire, West Yorkshire and Cumbria as well as Tyne and Wear, Durham and Teesside, will put its name to the popular programme of events.
Now in its 11th year, the Festival brings together 125 events from March to October to connect people to the people, landscape and wildlife of this special area.
It aims to encourage people of all ages to discover the wonderful wildflowers of the Yorkshire Dales and to gain an understanding of the careful management required to ensure that this special place can be enjoyed by wildlife and people in years to come.
To date more than 40,000 people have taken part in the Flowers of the Dales Festival, which is supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
Edwin Atkinson of JT Atkinson said: “Our business is based in Cumbria and North Yorkshire and therefore to align ourselves with YDMT made sense.
“To be able to put something back into this special part of the world is important and through YDMT’s work we can see walls being maintained, wildflower meadows re-established and trees planted in our own community.”
Jamie Atkinson added: “Through the partnership we can inspire people to get outside and experience what the Yorkshire Dales has to offer.
“We will be promoting Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust to our staff and customers with the hope of helping them to connect further with their local community.
“As part of this we will also encouraging our staff to volunteer to help with the tree planting and other projects.
“It’s a great partnership and we’re looking forward to seeing it develop.”
Michael Devlin, YDMT’s Development Manager, added: “Now more than ever we need the support of local businesses who care about the Yorkshire Dales. It is great to be working with JT Atkinson; their vital support will inspire more people to care about the natural world and enjoy the spectacular and precious landscapes of Yorkshire.”
The 2019 Flowers of the Dales Festival can be found here www.ydmt.org/flowers-festival
