North York Moors National Park
 

Learning Zone

How does the National Park Authority help farmers?

 

Tree planting on the banks of the River Esk  Repairing dry stone walls is a skilled job

The National Park Authority helps farmers and landowners by giving them advice, grants and payments to farm their land in a way which benefits wildlife and the landscape as well as the farm.   

This helps farmers to make a living and to farm in an environmentally friendly way so that Britain's beautiful countryside and important wildlife habitats are conserved for the future.    

Farmers could receive payments for work such as: National Park staff offer advice to farmers

  • looking after hedgerows or planting new hedges
  • repairing drystone walls
  • planting trees or looking after small areas of woodland
  • bracken control
  • using less chemicals on grassland to encourage wild flowers 

Rights of Way on Farmland

Did you know?

There are around 1500 miles of public rights of way in the North York Moors National Park and most of these paths are on land owned by farmers.   

Farmers are responsible for keeping rights of way clear of obstructions and the National Park Authority is responsible for keeping the surface of the paths in good condition. This means that the National Park rangers work closely with farmers to keep footpaths and bridleways in good condition so that people can enjoy walking, cycling and horseriding in the countryside. 

You can help look after the countryside by:Keep dogs on a lead to avoid disturbing farm animals

  • keeping to paths on farmland
  • leaving gates as you find them
  • keeping dogs on a lead to avoid disturbing sheep and cattle
  • taking your litter home