A 2002 survey showed that Christ Church Hall had 'broken its back' due to settlement resulting fom water accumulation around the foundation. It was estimated that the life expectancy of the hall if left was at the most 5 years.

 

This project will secure the structure of the building by restoration of walls and foundations. The internal layout of the hall will be redesigned to include a meeting room and improved facilities so that the centre can be multifunctional.

 

The Sustainable Development Fund has also provided funding to install a ground source heat pump, insulation, three sunpipes and for the provision of an information board to raise awareness of the renewable energy systems.

 

 

Development of new livery stables and exercise yards in the AONB is increasing. The purpose of the project is to create design guidance for farmers and others considering equine-related developments. 

 

The guidance aims  to facilitate expansion of the AONB's rural economy whilst safeguarding landscape character.  It was produced as a result of meetings with stakeholders, working with a steering group and using landscape character assessments.

 

 

This project has secured the relocation of the 'Little Red Bus' to a larger and more eco-efficient workplace in response to changing demands.  There has been an increased demand for its services from the public and the new base is more central allowing greater accessibility to its services.

 

The new base will also allow a number of 'green' features to be installed such as rainwater harvesting, a woodchip boiler system and a wind turbine.

 

 

The purpose of the project is to promote the heritage, landscape and communities within the Mashamshire area by making information more accessible. This has been achieved through an integrated database of walk routes, maps, wildlife observation points, historical and archaeological sites.

 

Members of the community helped to collect the information by walking the routes and collated historical data.  This information can all be found at www.visitmasham.com and it is also available at a purpose built IT unit in the Mashamshire Community Office.

 

 

A feasibility study has been undertaken to investigate the potential to develop a heritage and nature trail on an Upper Nidderdale Farm.  The research will generate a interpretation plan and a costed range of options for implementation.

 

 

It is proposed to create a biomass facilitation service in the Yorkshire Dales National Park and Nidderdale AONB.  The project will develop biomass as a renewable energy source amongst rural communities and provide market opportunities for local woodlands. This will generate a wide range of benefits in terms of improved biodiversity, landscape and access within sustainably managed woodlands in the Dales as well as reducing carbon emissions and safeguarding and creating a number of jobs throughout the supply chain.

 

The funding is being used to employ a project officer.  The officer is working to:  provide information regarding biomass; promoting the use of wood and other biomass for heat and power generation;  establishing 6 community and district heating systems across the project area; working with partners to develop this service; supporting the development of the supply chain and infrastructure; encourage the use of biomass within the public and private sector; develop training packages and identifying grant sources for implementation.

 

 

In September 2005 Stephen Lofthouse set up a milk delivery service of organic milk from Farnhill Dairy in Dewsbury to shops, schools and other milkrounds.  Milk is branded as Yorkshire milk under the Definitely Yorkshire label.  Now successful and delivering to Bradford, Harrogate and Bingley as well as the local area the applicant has expanded his business with the support of SDF by purchasing a refrigerated van.

 

As well as expanding the delivery side of his business Stephen has also used the funding to develop a website to include educational materials pertinent to organic farming practices within the AONB (www.organicdales.co.uk).   The website is also an opportunity to promote expanded delivery service to shops and other outlets within the AONB.

 

 

Two days of events  to inform and educate the community of Otley on environmental issues and solutions relevant to a small market town.  The events will tackle the issue of why all of us have "to bother" and take seriously the environmental effects of our own acts that impact upon our town.

 

Issues highlighted included fuel efficiency, recycling, composting and management of our waste, environmental and health topics such as walking/cycling to school, transport sharing and preserving our open spaces and biodiversity. The days consisited of lectures, hands on workshop for parents, children and young people and evening lectures by a leading environmentalist from the BBC wildlife unit and other professional specialists.