ONE of North Yorkshire’s most cherished moorlands is to receive £2m in funding over the next ten years.

The 4,500-hectare Danby Common, in the heart of the North York Moors National Park, will benefit from the Higher Level Stewardship scheme administered by Natural England.

Landowners and graziers will be helped to protect and enhance its wildlife, heather and footpaths.

The moor is managed by landowner Viscount Downe and the Danby Court Leet, a centuries-old commons system of graziers.

Martin Foord, farmer and Court Leet bailiff, welcomed the agreement.

He said it would help secure a future for moorland sheep flocks, which are vital to maintaining the health of the moors.

“Grazing and burning will continue to be carried out in a way that benefits the wide variety of wildlife that rely upon it, so visitors and local people will be able to enjoy this beautiful landscape for many years to come,” he said.

Robert Sward, agent for the Dawnay Estates, said the scheme was a real opportunity for graziers and land managers to join forces to benefit the common’s environmental, sporting and agricultural resources, while enhancing the landscape.

He said: “This is a very last chance to retain the hill flocks and improve the management and quality of sheep production.”

It would help reduce tick levels, increase grouse production, and the numbers of other moorland birds.

Fraser Hugill, head of conservation management at the national park, said the agreement was a “great credit” to all the parties involved.

Natural England worked with the national park, landowners, common rights holders and the Court Leet to put the agreement in place.

Another £1m agreement will operate on Ilkley Moor.

Peter Nottage, Yorkshire regional director for Natural England, said: “We’re incredibly pleased and looking forward to seeing the environment in these much-loved places thrive.”

The Danby scheme involves graziers adapting the number of sheep to benefit heather regeneration and two new flocks being brought in by the moor owners. A shepherd will also be employed.

Managed grazing and heatherburning regimes will continue to improve moorland habitats for merlin, golden plover, lapwing and curlew.

New and improved visitor information will include leaflets, displays, guided walks and demonstrations of moorland management skills.

The agreement is the first for a common on the North York Moors.