The Traditional Boundary Fund (TBF) provides annual grants of up to £5,000 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
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
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 are 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
The 2026 TBF application window is now closed. It is expected that a new application window will open in spring 2027.
The documents below are for reference purposes only.
Print off an application form (PDF) or application form (Word) to fill in. Please send your completed form along with supporting documents (map, photos etc.) to tbf@northyorkmoors.org.uk or post to the National Park Authority Office in Helmsley (the address can be found at the bottom of this page).
Please make sure to read the TBF Guidelines and the 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.
Works must follow National Park Authority specifications, which can be downloaded below.
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
Additional downloads
Download the Traditional Boundary Fund 2026-27 process flow diagram
Download guidance regarding landowners responsibilities for Public Rights of Way
Find out more
For more information, please contact us on 01439 772700 or email conservation@northyorkmoors.org.uk
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.