The Howardian Hills National Landscape has celebrated its volunteers

As the year is drawing to an end, the newly renamed Howardian Hills National Landscape held one of its regular volunteering days, but with a twist.

In addition to the activities that the volunteers carried out at Howsham Mill, such as clearing bramble, removing moss from stonework and a bridge, weeding cobbles and cleaning up and mending bird and bat boxes, there was a celebration to thank the team for the invaluable work that they performed during the year.

Members of North Yorkshire Council’s Countryside Access Service and the Howardian Hills National Landscape joined the volunteers for the day-long event, which included a break to enjoy a Christmas lunch.

Furthermore, representatives from Howsham Mill gave an insight into the fascinating 18th century watermill, which is now an education centre and generates renewable energy from turbines on the weir in the River Derwent.

Manager of the Howardian Hills National Landscape, Ellie Hook, said: “The much-appreciated work that the volunteers do throughout the whole year varies from some of the tasks that we had at Howsham Mill to plant surveys, scrub clearance, waymarking, wild flower meadow maintenance and many other interesting activities in some of our most valuable conservation sites. We are always keen to welcome new members who are passionate about our countryside to the group. If you would like to make a difference, enjoy being outdoors and start new friendships, please join us at our fortnightly volunteering events by emailing info@howardianhills.org.uk “

The Vice Chair of the Howardian Hills National Landscape Joint Advisory Committee, Councillor George Jabbour, added: “It was so heartening to have the opportunity to meet with some of the brilliant volunteers who have dedicated many hours to make an incredible contribution to one of the most beautiful landscapes in the UK. It is impossible to overstate the impact that these hard-working individuals have made on maintaining and improving our stunning area. On behalf of our local communities, thank you!”

The Howardian Hills National Landscape was designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in 1987 and renamed as a National Landscape in 2023. The area covers 204 sq km (79 sq miles) of the North Yorkshire countryside, nestled between the North York Moors National Park, the Yorkshire Wolds and the Vale of York. It is a unique and captivating landscape with its well-wooded rolling countryside, patchwork of arable and pasture fields, scenic villages and historic country houses with classic parkland landscapes. The Howardian Hills Partnership, including a small staff team based at Helmsley, is funded by Defra and North Yorkshire Council and works to ensure the natural beauty of the area is conserved and enhanced.