Press releases

River Esk project aims to reconnect communities to nature

A new project that aims to deepen people’s connection to nature, increase awareness of climate change and provide opportunities for more people to get involved with practical conservation has been awarded £1.1 million from The National Lottery Community Fund.

Artists prepare to help launch new Pilgrim’s Trail in the North York Moors National Park

Artists are preparing to help celebrate the launch of a new pilgrim’s trail in the North York Moors that will honour a 12th century saint whose message on friendship still resonates today.

Staithes Festival of Arts and Heritage 2024

The rich history of Staithes will come to the fore during this September’s Festival of Arts and Heritage with the première of a short film on the village’s fishing history, and a rare opportunity to be shown around the UK’s earliest saltworks in nearby Boulby.

North York Moors on fire alert

While it may feel as though 2024 has seen plentiful rainfall, data shows that heather and other vegetation has become extremely dry. With no significant rain forecast, staff from the Authority have been putting up fire risk warning signs across the National Park.

National Park issues update on historic bridge following road traffic accident

The North York Moors National Park Authority have been working with North Yorkshire Council to reopen Grosmont Bridge following a road traffic accident on 3 August.

UK National Parks set out new vision for regenerative tourism

With the UK peak holiday season well underway, the 15 UK National Parks have launched a new vision for regenerative tourism in an effort to safeguard some of the country’s most popular outdoor destinations, while ensuring they remain accessible to all.

Days out with a difference: Family-friendly volunteering in the North York Moors National Park

A family volunteering group that provides opportunities for children and their grown-ups to help care for nature and learn about the environment is seeking new members.

UK National Parks become first in world to join Race to Zero

The UK’s National Parks have become the first in the world to join the UN-backed ‘Race to Zero’ initiative, committing to drive action to halve carbon emissions within their landscapes by 2030 and become significant net carbon sinks by 2050.

Plenty of new ways to unwind in nature during September's Mindful Month

A new arts-inspired wellbeing festival, organised bike rides, goat yoga sessions and forest bathing feature in the North York Moors Mindful Month programme this September, which is designed to help people unwind after a whirlwind summer by using the beautiful natural surroundings in the National Park to relax and recharge.

Farm for the Future: National Park seeks farmers for free business and environment programme

Farm businesses face a unique set of challenges in the rural economy, from environmental pressures to fluctuating prices and changes in agricultural policy.

Art-adorned skateboards to feature in National Park’s Birds on the Edge exhibition

A novel form of art will feature in this summer’s exhibition in the North York Moors National Park’s gallery when skateboards adorned with creative designs go on display.

Drop-in sessions to see plans for Helmsley Old Vicarage

Residents of Helmsley and the wider community who have not yet viewed plans to convert the Old Vicarage in Helmsley into residential dwellings are invited to attend two public drop-in sessions held on Wednesday 10 and Thursday 11 July, from 4pm – 6pm.

Special delivery at Roseberry Topping

Tonnes of stone have been hoisted up and down Roseberry Topping to kick start repairs to the path network damaged by years of erosion.

Planting trees for tomorrow

The Landscape Tree Scheme provides trees for free and covers 100% of the costs involved, including three years maintenance. A mixture of species is usually planted, helping to future-proof their survival by reducing disease risks.

Raiding the Bank project explores the dramatic history of iconic North York Moors landmark

The exceptional and occasionally bloody history of Sutton Bank is to be explored as part of a new project that will bring together community research, archaeological excavations and an array of public events and volunteering opportunities.

Community invited to have their say on new National Park Authority building

Informal drop-in sessions will be held on Wednesday 8 May in the Dorothy Morley Room at Helmsley Arts Centre between 10am-12noon, 1pm-4pm and 4.30pm-7pm.

Last few days to help Rob bring a coveted tourism accolade home to Yorkshire

People only have a few days left to cast their vote and help a North York Moors man bring a highly prized tourism accolade home to Yorkshire. Rob Brown, who works for Dalby Forest Cycle Hub, is Yorkshire’s only contender out of the 10 nominees nationally to have been shortlisted.

Grants available for hedgerows and dry stone walls

Grants of up to £5000 are on offer in the North York Moors National Park for the creation and management of hedgerows and the repair of dry stone walls.

National Park seeks artists to create interactive trails

The North York Moors National Park Authority is seeking an artist or artists to create permanent interactive trails at both the Danby Lodge and Sutton Bank National Park Centres.

Time to Vote for nominee for national Tourism Superstar Award

Press release - the public are being urged to vote for a North York Moors man who is in the running for a prestigious national accolade for the positive impact he has had on thousands of people’s lives by making cycling more accessible and inclusive.

Dark Skies Friendly village lights the way

Communities across the North York Moors can now gain recognition for the work they do to protect and enhance the quality of the night sky above their neighbourhood by meeting new standards launched by the National Park.

Restoration hope for recently unearthed historic lime kiln

An unsightly heap in the corner of a North York Moors field has revealed a well-preserved historic limestone kiln, thanks to a collaboration between the landowners, the National Park Authority and a local archaeology company.

Extra payments available for large woodland projects

The National Park Authority is increasing its financial incentive for farmers and landowners to create large woodland areas. Anyone with a tree planting area greater than 10 hectares can claim £3,000 per hectare.

Dalby Forest accessible cycling champion in-line for coveted national tourism award

A North York Moors man has been shortlisted for a top tourism award because of his passion for, and dedication to making cycling in Dalby Forest more accessible for all.

New ways to see the cosmic wonders during this year’s Dark Skies Festival

New art experiences, simulated space walks and a recently-opened constellation trail will all be part of this year’s Dark Skies Festival (9-25 February), the popular annual event which showcases the International Dark Sky Reserves above the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales National Parks.

Bat survey accidentally records change in cricket distributions

A citizen science project made an incredible 390,000 confirmed recordings of bats between May and September 2023. The study also recorded a species of bush cricket never previously documented by the survey.

Government sets out new nature package

On Wednesday 29 November, Government set out a new nature package, with measures to improve access to green spaces and connect the public with the natural world. It has also been confirmed that the Linking Levisham project is one of 34 projects to receive funding.

Time to go starry eyed at this year’s Dark Skies Fringe Festival

This year’s Dark Skies Fringe Festival (27 October – 5 November), which kicks off the prime autumn and winter season for witnessing the stars and planetary movements in the North York Moors National Park’s clear night sky, will include a host of events throughout October’s half term holiday.

National Park urges people to have their say on 'destructive' Government proposals

The North York Moors National Park Authority is urging members of its local communities, along with all those who value the beauty and tranquility of England’s protected landscapes, to have their say on the biggest weakening of planning controls in decades.

Endangered river mussels receive major funding boost

The REStore project aims to address obstacles that hinder fish migration and improve gravel spawning sites for salmon to lay their eggs. By improving conditions for salmon, the project will also directly benefit the freshwater pearl mussel, a species which relies on the salmon family for the early stages of

National Park secures funding to re-wet and restore peat habitats

The North York Moors National Park Authority has been awarded a grant of more than £1.25 million to restore peat habitats within its borders.

Unique volunteering opportunity in the North York Moors

A unique volunteering opportunity is available for anyone interested in improving public access to the North York Moors National Park.

New book about Staithes launched

A new book, written as a personal account bringing to life the village of Staithes in the North York Moors National Park, will be launched at this year’s Staithes Festival of Arts and Heritage (15-17 September).

Damage to historic bridge 'beggars' belief

Power tool used to engrave protected Scheduled Monument, Beggar’s Bridge Damage to a well-known 17th-century bridge in the North York Moors National Park has been labelled as a staggering act of vandalism.

North York Moors National Park lines up Mindful Month programme

Creative writing, mindful walking, beach yoga, sustainable gardening and art are just some of the ways that people can visit the North York Moors National Park during Mindful Month this September for an autumn wellbeing re-set ahead of winter.

River Rye partnership seeks artists, producers and designers to help connect local communities with its work

The Ryevitalise Landscape Partnership is offering four artistic commissions worth up to £8,000 each to help engage local communities in its work to conserve and restore the water quality and habitats of the River Rye and its tributaries.

Award-winning accessibility work sees all-terrain mobility scooter launch in fifth National Park beauty spot

Press release - Keldy Forest in the North York Moors has become the fifth location in the National Park with its own all-terrain mobility vehicle, known as a Tramper, available for visitors to hire.

Statement following shooting of Red Kite

Following the most recent report from North Yorkshire Police regarding a Red Kite found with gunshot wounds, the North York Moors National Park is issuing the following statement:

Summer exhibition - The Lost Spells

This summer the North York Moors National Park’s gallery will be hosting a beautiful new exhibition inspired by the acclaimed nature book The Lost Spells and running a series of complementary events that deepen people’s connections with the natural world.

Yorkshire: No messing! Young rangers lead the forefront on tackling irresponsible behaviour in our outdoor spaces

In their latest endeavour, their young rangers have embarked on creating a witty and educational video focused on The Countryside Code.

National Park project will help endangered water voles and rare butterflies

Water voles and small pearl-bordered fritillary butterflies are the focus of a new project in the North York Moors National Park, because the two species happen to be ‘clinging on’ in the same local areas.

North York Moors on fire alert: Plea for extra vigilance as wildfires burn around the UK

Concern about wildfires in the North York Moors National Park is growing, as a period of dry weather continues across the UK.

Recharge in Nature: BMW supports youth volunteering project in the North York Moors

The North York Moors is one of the first National Parks in the UK to receive a grant as a result of a nationwide partnership with BMW.

The power of citizen science: Join a Wild Wild Quest in the North York Moors this half-term

On Thursday 1 June, the North York Moors National Park hosts its first ever family BioBlitz event, with visitors challenged to find and identify as many species as possible in the grounds of either Danby Lodge or Sutton Bank National Park Centres.

National Park workshops will help advise Defra on changes to farm incomes

A series of ten workshops to be held across the North York Moors National Park will bring together farmers and land managers in the hope of increasing understanding about how their incomes may change as the Basic Payment Scheme is phased out and new opportunities are cultivated.

Help available for hedgerows and dry stone walls in the North York Moors

Grants of up to £5,000 are on offer in the North York Moors National Park for the creation and enhancement of hedgerows and the repair of dry stone walls.

North York Moors coastal village celebrates its artistic heritage with two festival weekends this year

The coastal village of Staithes in the North York Moors National Park is celebrating its artistic roots and shining the spotlight on the huge pool of local creative talent with an extra event this summer, while at the same time reviving September’s popular Arts and Heritage weekend.

Arts, crafts, trails and adventure: Discover the North York Moors this Easter

Events to suit every member of the family are taking place in the North York Moors National Park this Easter.

A day out with a difference: Family volunteering opportunities in the North York Moors National Park

A volunteering club that brings together families with young children to learn about the environment and carry out practical conservation tasks is opening its doors to new members.

Archaeologists return to site of unusual National Park settlement

A group of both professional and volunteer archaeologists are currently investigating the site of an unusual late Neolithic/early Bronze Age settlement in the North York Moors National Park.

Whole community switch over to dark skies friendly lighting

An entire village in the North York Moors is helping to lead the way in efforts to curb light pollution with a project to ensure all exterior lighting is dark skies-friendly.

Northerly stage of the Women's Tour in June

Dalby Forest and the North York Moors National Park will create cycling history this June as they become the most northerly stage of the Women’s Tour.

National Park offers trees for free

Landowners in the North York Moors National Park can receive trees for free thanks to a new scheme that aims to plant the veteran trees of the future.

National Park opens entries to community bike ride event in support of local heart fund

The North York Moors National Park Authority invites entries to its inaugural ‘Hearts and Minds’ cycle event in support of the Tom Parson’s Trust, the British Heart Foundation and the National Park Trust.

February meeting will help North York Moors farmers navigate agricultural transition

Farmers and land managers in the North York Moors National Park are invited to a drop-in event in Helmsley on Tuesday 28 February to help them navigate the opportunities available during agricultural transition.

National Park Seeks New Members

The search is on for two new colleagues to join the North York Moors National Park’s team of Members – an influential group of people who play a major role in shaping the direction of the Authority.

Dark Skies Festival - half term family fun without costing the earth

This year’s Dark Skies Festival, across both the North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales National Parks, will include plenty of ways to enjoy a star-studded half term that don’t cost the earth.

Letter to the editor

The following is a letter from Jim Bailey, Chair of the North York Moors National Park Authority, in response to the Comment piece ‘Moors chiefs must set exemplary standards’, published in the Yorkshire Post on 19 June.