You are here: Living in the AONB > Grants and Advice > Sustainable Development Fund > Case Studies 2005-2006

This project has restored a focal community area in Middlesmoor using traditional techniques and materials and provided a range of information to assist visitors. The restoration will boost the sole surviving service point (Crown Hotel) in the village; create easier access for the elderly and less abled to the parking area, public toilets and pub.

 

In co-ordination with these works two interpretation boards will be installed, the first board aims to inform visitors about the new open access regulations that will affect a huge amount of the countryside around Middlesmoor. The second board displays information about the village, landscape and AONB designation

 

 

A bird and badger hide has been constructed on Lime Tree Farm which will be used for visiting groups.  The Farm is in a Countryside Stewardship Agreement and groups already visit to study the nature conservation managment sytems in operation. 

 

The hide/classroom will enable this work to be extended by providing further resources for visting groups and a useful inside space in case of bad weather. 

 

 

A feasibility study into the installation and restoration of a hydro electric turbine and assosciated infrastructure on the Eagle Hall Estate within the Eagle Hall Woodlands.

 

 

This project is part of a strategy to create a vibrant and robust arts sector in Nidderdale.  The Nidderdale Arts Partnership aims to create an external public arts space on the former workhouse site, now Nidderdale Museum and King Street workshops in Pateley Bridge. The funding will be used to commission a design statement for the area.

 

 

A 2 year project to enable the Tourist Information Centre in Pateley Bridge to open for 2 days during the winter season from November to March. The TIC is open from April-October each year, but there is no service for visitors or local residents wishing to find out more about the AONB during the winter season.

 

Extending the service will provide a focal point for visitors and local residents to enhance their experience of the AONB and encourage visitors to stay longer during the winter.

 

 

A feasibility study to determine the most appropriate way to maximise the use of  Fewston Church by promoting the appreciation of heritage and increasing community activity.  This will contribute to the economic and social sustainability of rural communities in the Washburn Valley.

 

 

A new service will be established to enable on site utilisation of a waste product.  The service will consist of a Wood-Mizer saw bench and firewood processor that will enable access to individual windblown trees that would normally be burnt due to excessive haulage costs.

 

The service supplied will enable the mobile saw bench to convert the timber on-site into saleable utilisable dimensions. The waste wood from this process will then be logged with the firewood processor.

 

 

This project has employed an officer from BTCV York to expand the existing education programme in Nidderdale AONB by developing resources that will ensure the long term sustainability of education work in the area.

 

An education pack has been created for local schools to encourage them to visit the area.  Workshops were delivered in schools and bite size training courses were delivered to teachers to raise awareness of the AONB. Links were established with local Outdoor Centres and visits from socially excluded schools/community groups were encouraged to promote links between young people in rural and urban areas.