North York Moors National Park
 

Authority Services

Cultural & natural development

 

The Hambleton and Howardian Hills Partnership Cultural and Natural Development Opportunity (CAN DO)

“CAN DO” is a Partnership of organisations and agencies applying shared aims and a common vision, working within a defined geographical area to foster:

  • landscape, cultural heritage and biodiversity excellence, in ways which benefit the economic and social well-being of the communities who live within it.

The Partnership recognises that whilst each organisation may use their limited resources to achieve their individual aims within the area, these can be achieved more effectively and have added value by working together.

A Partnership Co-ordinator was appointed in Jan 2005, for a period of two years. The Partnership is intended to be long term, but will initially be implemented for specific periods of time as Partners’ commitment of funds allows.

Specific works being undertaken include:

  • The CAN DO Parish Fund which offered grants of up to £500 to support Parish Councils and other community groups to undertake projects relating to the cultural and natural heritage of the area.
  • Restoration of habitat to encourage populations of Duke of Burgundy butterfly (a GB Biodiversity Action Plan species).
  • Thinning of bankside trees along the River Rye to reduce the level of shade and increase fish and invertebrate populations.
  • Restoration of wood-pasture (GB Habitat Action Plan) in the Helmsley Deer Park and the freeing of ancient oaks from shade caused by adjacent trees.
  • Heathland restoration at Cliff plantation, Sutton Bank.
  • Clearing encroaching trees from heathland at Tom Smith’s Cross, Sutton Bank.
  • Development of an integrated access strategy for the area.
  • Survey of heathland on Forestry Commission land to inform a programme of restoration.
  • Survey of Environmental Stewardship Entry Level Scheme agreement holders to inform decisions about environmental management


For further details about specific aims and objectives and projects being undertaken, please contact us

You can download a map of the CAN DO area from the publications section.

Partners include:
English Heritage, Natural England, Howardian Hills AONB, North York Moors National Park Authority, Environment Agency, Forestry Commission, Hambleton District Council and Ryedale District Council.