North York Moors National Park Joint Area Parish Forum Wednesday, 31 August 2016

The Ryevitalise Landscape Partnership Reconnecting Nature, Reconnecting People David Renwick

The Rye: a UK river in miniature providing a valuable opportunity to explore and link upland and lowland issues in one small area Alcathoe and a range of other bats White clawed crayfish Otter Water vole Veteran trees Migratory fish e.g. lamprey and eel Wealth of rare and designated species Number of UKBAP Habitats: Moorland, Species Rich Grasslands, Woodland (Native & Planted Ancient), Wetlands and River Flows through two Protected Landscapes Feeds the River Derwent Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and a number of SSSIs High concentration of designated habitats Provider of clean water – in the right quantities! Flood regulation/attenuation Carbon storage in woodlands and peats at the top of the catchment Food production – livestock and arable farming Source of clean water and wider ecosystem services The river has been a source of inspiration for centuries World renown cultural landmarks: Rievaulx, Duncombe Park and Nunnington Vibrant economy , celebrated market towns of Helmsley, Malton and Pickering Rich cultural heritage changing from a fast-running upland stream to slow-flowing Lowland River in just 50 km, There are 42 water bodies on the Rye Operational Catchment that are mostly at Moderate Ecological Status (see appendices). The headwaters of the Rye, and Seph and Rye sub catchments originate from the North Yorkshire Moors National Park, much of which is in itself further designated as a SSSI for its dwarf shrub heath upland habitat. This SSSI has also been designated a SAC for both its Atlantic Wet Heaths with Tetrix and European Dry Heaths. The river Rye also lies within the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Native white-clawed crayfish are present as well as water vole, sea and river lamprey and bullhead. Within the last 5 years the rare Alcathoe’s bat was recently discovered from a couple of sites in Ryedale – one of only a handful of sites in the UK where this species (which is relatively new to science) has been discovered. Much of catchment lies within a Nitrate Vulnerable Zone.

Woodland near river at Hawnby Hill

Rievaulx Valley

Looking north over Nunnington Hall across the Lower Rye valley to the North York Moors

Natural Environment – Alcathoe Bat, Dipper, Veteran Tree, healthy insect population on River Rye

The Landscape Area At the heart of the the landscape is the River Rye, a vital artery that defines the landscape, providing a constant throughout the area and a distinct sense of place. James McGairy, Rye at Rievaulx The feeling throughout the valley is one of enclosure and seclusion creating a sensation of unity and tranquility

Etching of JMW Turner’s paintin of Rievaulx from his ‘Picturesque View in England and Wales’ (published 1827–38) “Everywhere peace, everywhere serenity and a marvellous freedom from the tumult of the world” – St Aelred, Rievaulx Abbey’s Third Abbot

The Rye – Summary of Issues Habitat decline and species loss Habitat decline and isolation from: some unsympathetic land & water practices climate change invasive species spread Impact of changes to agri-environment schemes Water quality High levels of phosphates and sediment Seasonal Metaldehyde contamination Moderate or poor in WFD classifications Flooding Widespread flooding on numerous occasions: Helmsley, Pickering, Malton and Norton Flashy nature and groundwater flooding Community Engagement Disconnect between local communities, the river and services it provides There are 42 water bodies on the Rye Operational Catchment that are mostly at Moderate Ecological Status (see appendices). The headwaters of the Rye, and Seph and Rye sub catchments originate from the North Yorkshire Moors National Park, much of which is in itself further designated as a SSSI for its dwarf shrub heath upland habitat. This SSSI has also been designated a SAC for both its Atlantic Wet Heaths with Tetrix and European Dry Heaths. The river Rye also lies within the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Native white-clawed crayfish are present as well as water vole, sea and river lamprey and bullhead. Within the last 5 years the rare Alcathoe’s bat was recently discovered from a couple of sites in Ryedale – one of only a handful of sites in the UK where this species (which is relatively new to science) has been discovered. Much of catchment lies within a Nitrate Vulnerable Zone. Barriers to Fish Sediment Riparian Habitat Flood Protection Structures Tracks / Rural Roads Agricultural Diffuse Pollution Riparian Management Nitrate within Groundwater Land Drainage Invasive Species Metaldehyde

Loss of Abundance “The quality of the river and the high numbers of fish in the river were known and even noted in the sale particulars of Nunnington Hall in c.1830. It was said that there was so much ‘salmon trout’ in the river there was no need for a fishmonger!” “In the mid 1980’s there were so many white clawed crayfish in the river that my sons caught 80 in an hour” “We know how wonderful the river is but we know it needs help”

Vision and Aims Ryevitalise aims to protect and enhance the area’s natural/cultural heritage, resulting in a more natural, better functioning and better understood landscape.

Ryevitalise Landscape Partnership - overall Project Aims Restoring the riparian and aquatic habitats of the Rye and the rich biodiversity it supports. Improving water quality through working with landowner/land managers to address nutrient inputs and reduce diffuse pollution. Employing natural flood risk management techniques to better regulate water quantity and reduce downstream flooding. To better understand the services the river provides us and how we use them to live, work and play – conserving a record of the river’s cultural heritage and economic significance to local communities and wider beneficiaries. Explore and interpret people’s perceptions of abundance/diversity and the loss of this though folk memories, past artistic and literary interpretations of the landscape and future aspirations stemming from this for the future. This would be made available nationally to stimulate a wider debate about loss of natural capital.

Ryevitalise Landscape Partnership Ryedale Natural History Society Helmsley Archaeological & Historical Society Derwent Dales Farmer Group

Ryevitalise Landscape Partnership – Budget Total budget for the Project across both development (2 year) and delivery (4 year) is £3.2m including a match funding figure of £997k giving an overall intervention rate of 66%. Delivery across 27 projects.

Ryevitalise Landscape Partnership – Projects WATER ENVIRONMENT Reconnecting the Rye – Restoring and Reconnecting the Rye's Habitats Reconnecting the Rye – A More Natural River Small and Tall - The Rye's Bats and Ancient Trees Saving the White-Clawed Crayfish Wooded Wonders - Restoring the Rye's Ancient Woodland Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) Control Ryething Around - Fish Passage on the Rye

Ryevitalise Landscape Partnership – Projects WATER QUALITY Ryevitalised Farming: Water Quality Capital Grants Ryevitalised Farming: Working with Farmers Domestic advice and awareness WATER LEVEL MANAGEMENT Natural Flood Risk Management COMPLIMENTARY PROJECT NOT PART OF APPLICATION

Ryevitalise Landscape Partnership – Projects RECONNECTING PEOPLE Preserving our relationship with the Rye - The Working Rye From Memory to Action – The Paradise Initiative Ryefly Monitoring Citizen Science Framework Preserving Yearsley Mill Interpretation Routes Along the Rye Upstream, Downstream Schools Programme Trout in the Classroom Young Angler Initiative Digital Rye Events and Promotion

The trailblazing story of ironstone and railways in the North York Moors

Making sense of a century of industry in a rural landscape

TEL area in its regional setting

How far have we come? Partnership set up in 2012 Stage One bid to HLF submitted May 2013 Stage One pass for £3m granted October 2013 Effective Permission to Start April 2014 Development Phase April 2014 – October 2015 Stage Two bid to HLF 31 October 2015

This is the Landscape Conservation Action Plan that you have been provided with … and goes into much more detail about the scheme, the character and significance of the landscape …

Projects in the scheme Scheme will deliver from 2016-2021 52 projects submitted for the Scheme (7 of these are ‘aspirational’) Cultural Heritage Natural Environment Access, engagement and interpretation Cross cutting: scheme wide (eg training, volunteers and community grants)

And this is what the scheme budget looks like …

What’s Happening Now? Putting in place a new project team Rosedale landslip and culvert repair Biodiversity work starting – farm agreements and hay meadows Glaisdale fish pass Preparing for big year 2-4 built heritage conservation work Attending shows/events and running a series of community launches later this year

Benefits for communities - TEL events - community arch building

Securing External Funding for Delivery of National Park Priorities Andy Wilson

Ideas for External Funding Coastal and Marine Rivers LIDAR Sutton Bank Capital Health Work on Individual Rare Species Ancient Woodland Restoration Apprentice (Levy) Local Food Whitby/Redcar Railway Tunnels North Yorkshire Moors Railway Bridges Buildings and Monuments at Risk Any More?

1. Robin Hood’s Bay 2. North of RHB Mike Kipling 3. European Lobster 4 1. Robin Hood’s Bay 2. North of RHB Mike Kipling 3. European Lobster 4. Green Sea Urchin

Rivers

Lidar

Murk Esk Lidar area data captured (red boundary = TEL area)

Goathland – Bank Top (top of Incline)

Sutton Bank Visitor Centre

Dukes and Pearls Project Dukes and Pearls Project (including NP match funding). - the Duke of Burgundy Butterfly and Pearl-bordered Fritillaries are Yorkshire’s rarest breeding butterfly species. Butterfly Conservation Project since 2010 restoring and extending habitats. More Duke of Burgundy adults were recorded in 2014 than in any of the previous twenty-one years of Butterfly Conservation’s monitoring programme. Included recolonization of Sunny Bank Scar.

Water Vole and White Clawed Crayfish

Ancient Woodland Riparian Woodland near Danby Beck

North Yorkshire Moors Railway – steam train in Newtondale

Yorkshire Moors Agricultural Apprenticeship Scheme Apprentice Levy Application to Prince’s Countryside Fund which was successful Lessons learnt around recruitment from non- farming vs farming backgrounds – cultural / lifestyle aspects of upland hill farming Difficulties in transport costs for young people to access work and take up job offers post apprenticeship Aim Enhance the upland hill farming skills base in the North York Moors for future generations Objectives Provide the opportunity for young people to undertake an apprenticeship on upland farms gaining experience and a Level 2 Diploma in Work-based Agriculture. Develop the skills and abilities of a group of upland farmers to offer high quality apprenticeships offering a range of skills and experiences for future generations.

Capital of Cake North York Moors & Coast proclaims itself Britain’s Capital of Cake The North York Moors and coast is laying claim to the title of "Britain’s Capital of Cake" in recognition of the myriad different types of cake served in the area, the regional specialities and places where they are served. The tourism initiative launches today (Monday 23rd March) and will raise the profile of the multitude of cake-eating locations that include cafés, tea parlours, holiday cottages, abbeys, woods, waterfalls, walled gardens, seashore, stately homes and village greens. The North York Moors Tourism Network, a voluntary organisation supporting more than 400 tourism and related businesses, together with the North York Moors National Park Authority (NYMNPA), are leading the ‘capital’ claim. With only one true way to celebrate such a proclamation, local Helmsley baker, Rhian Crusher of Celebrate! Country Cake Design has created the cake-map cake, depicting some of the scenic spots and tourist attractions of the North York Moors and coast in icing and sponge.

Whitby/Redcar Railway Tunnels Kettleness/Sandsend Tunnel

North Yorkshire Moors Railway Bridges Glaisdale top left , top right ‘Bridge 30’ - located between Goathland and Grosmont. Bottom L & R Water Arc bridge, Beckhole

Monument Management Scheme First year of Monument Management Scheme Blakey Howe, next to the Lion Inn.