Traditional Boundary Fund


Please note that we are still accepting applications for the Traditional Boundary Fund over the next few days!

Annual grants of up to £5,000 are available for land managers within the North York Moors National Park to help towards dry stone wall restoration and hedgerow creation/regeneration.

These traditional boundaries form a big part of the character of the landscape and are an important feature of the historic environment, while providing important wildlife benefits.

Hedgerows

Infographic of two people restoring a traditional hedgerow

Why are they important?

Hedgerows provide a range of benefits for land management, protecting soils, providing shelter to livestock and increasing opportunities for rotational grazing. They also connect habitats, boost biodiversity and help remove carbon from the atmosphere.

To provide these benefits they need to be managed appropriately. Grants available for:

  • New planting
  • Gapping up
  • Regenerative coppicing
  • Laying
  • Stock proof fencing in conjunction with any of the above

Dry stone walls

Infographic of a man and a woman building a dry stone wall.
Why are they important?

Dry stone walls form a key part of the cultural character of the North York Moors. They also provide a unique habitat for a range of reptiles, invertebrates and plants. It is important to keep walls in good condition to provide these benefits.

Grants available for:

  • Wall rebuilding and restoration in keeping with the local style
  • Wallside/topside wiring or wall top netting (only in association with walls restored through the programme)
  • Repair of existing/dilapidated wall furniture where present within reinstated sections

People repairing a dry stone wall near a railway line. Credit Anglo American.

The annual application window for the 2024/25 Traditional Boundary Fund (TBF) is now open. This year’s application window closes on Tuesday 30 April 2024, but will remain open for a few days after.

Print off an application form to apply and send your completed form and supporting documents (map, photos etc.) to tbf@northyorkmoors.org.uk or post to the National Park Authority Office in Helmsley.

Please read the 'TBF Guidelines' and 'TBF Standard Grant Rates' to make sure the scheme is suitable for what you want to do, before applying.

Please be aware that applications are considered as part of a competitive assessment process.

All TBF works need to be completed and claimed by the end of March 2025. Works must follow National Park Authority specifications, which can be downloaded via the below documents.

Download specifications on hedgerow management

Download specifications on stock-proof fencing

Download specifications of rabbit-proof fencing

Download specifications on dry stone walling

Download specifications on fencing dry stone walling

For larger projects that are expected to take multiple years or are looking for a grant level exceeding £5000, then the North York Moors National Park Authority may be able to offer support as a Strategic Boundary Project.

Additional downloads

Download the Traditional Boundary Fund 2024-25 Process flow diagram

Download guidance regarding landowners responsibilities for Public Rights of Way

We’re also looking for any land managers who would be interested in having their hedgerows surveyed to enable us to target resources in the future.

Find out more

For more information, please contact us on 01439 772700 or email conservation@northyorkmoors.org.uk

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