Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
(AONB) is about to launch a two-year project to further our
understanding of historic farm buildings in the area.
The project will involve recording around 1000 traditional farm
buildings in the AONB through basic survey work and mapping. It is
hoped that the information gathered will help us to better
understand changes in farming practice over the centuries, and the
contribution these farm buildings make to Nidderdale's landscape
and history. The information could also inform the targeting of any
future grant funding, and help to manage future change.
A number of traditional farm buildings have already been
recorded, through individual survey projects, by local history
groups and other organisations. The aim of this new project is to
fill in the gaps and document the entire collection of traditional
farm buildings in the AONB over the next two years.
AONB Heritage Officer, Sally Childes, said: "Previous
research carried out in the area suggests that there are many more
fascinating, and unrecorded, farm buildings in the area. This
project will provide an opportunity build up an even greater
knowledge of the history of farming in Nidderdale."
Historic Building Consultant Jen Deadman, who has a wealth of
experience surveying farm buildings in Nidderdale, will lead on the
project and will provide full training and ongoing support to a
group of volunteers. As well as outdoor surveying work there is
also a range of office based tasks to get involved with and
w
e are very keen to hear from anyone who would like to get
involved with this fascinating project.
If you an owner or tenant of traditional farm
buildings, or are simply interested in becoming a volunteer, please
come along to one of our open evenings on Monday 7th
March or Monday 4th April to find out more
about the project and how you can get involved. The
meetings will take place at The Council Chamber, The Old Workhouse,
Pateley Bridge, from 6.30pm-7.30pm.
Please contact Sally Childes or Jen Deadman in the AONB
office (Monday & Tuesdays) for further information on the
project. Tel: 01423 712950 or email sally.childes@harrogate.gov.uk