How we’re rising to the biggest challenges facing the Dales

May 24, 2023

Tackling climate change and restoring nature are the biggest challenges facing the Yorkshire Dales today. Nature can be a real
answer to all of those. We caught up with our Chief Executive David Sharrod to reflect on YDMT’s impact and his hopes for the future.

Q. David, our communities are facing many challenges, how do you feel about that?

We are still in that post pandemic phase, and that has had an impact on those we are here to serve. We know there is a cost-of-living crisis, but it is hard to know what impact it is having locally. A lot of it is hidden; but the impact on those already struggling is out of proportion to those who are better off. The Dales isn’t a deprived area as such but there are pockets of deprivation and communities who are struggling. The people we interact with beyond the Dales, those from urban communities, are struggling.

Then you have the pressure on agriculture and the future of farming. This underpins the landscape and economy of the Dales, alongside tourism. The farming community also underpins the cultural life of this area too. We still don’t know how agri-environment schemes will affect upland farming and you have issues with world events adding to the pressure.

Then there are the big issues – the biodiversity and climate crises. Quite simply, the area faces huge challenges.

Q. What can we do as a charity?

All these circumstances impact us as a charity, and we want to do something about it. We came through the uncertainty of the pandemic
in good shape thanks to the amazing contribution from supporters and partners, and a committed and passionate team. Now we must get out
there and make even more of a difference. If we have had a fault over these last few years, it’s that we have been too internally focused on making sure we came through these challenging times. Now we need to do more.

Q. You must be proud of what the Trust has achieved since the pandemic and amid uncertainty?

I am. The team has been excellent and our supporters phenomenal. Our impact is based on our reputation; trust is in our title … people trust us to get on with it. I am proud, but a little frustrated. I sit here thinking we have a passionate staff team and thanks to our supporters, have
the means to do more. Are we doing enough? I’m not sure we can ever do enough to match the need of the community. We can be smarter and more flexible.

Q. What is our focus for 2023 and beyond?

We want to improve the local economy and community cohesion, and help people, particularly young people, get better skilled to increase
their life chances. We will focus on health and wellbeing, alongside improving the access, understanding and enjoyment of this special place.

We want to do a lot more to ensure biodiversity is more resilient and habitats and species are conserved.

We will also return to being a grant giving organisation. We can increase our impact by trusting our communities to make a difference in the areas they know best. We will enable others to deliver things that match our aims. To do that, we will launch a slicker grants programme
backed up by expert advice that is delivered by our networks.

Q. Will this tackle the crises you mentioned earlier?

This country is faced with multiple overlapping crises – physical and mental health, biodiversity, climate and economic. Nature can be a real
answer to all of those. We want to engage people with the outdoors, the countryside and the Dales, and subsequently their own environment.
We can help provide that through our work and nurture a real passion in protecting our planet.

Q. Looking back, do you have a highlight from the last 12 months?

It’s been fantastic to meet groups of people that have benefitted from our work. I have been humbled by our work with asylum seekers and refugees. I’m also really proud of the farming network at Long Preston we have been working with for 20 years. It is now a group of
friends who are doing cutting edge things to ensure they stay sustainable and tackle the climate crisis.

Thank you!

No problem! As a Trust we are our supporters. I am constantly aware that what we are doing for the area is entirely through the generosity of
people who have given us support. I would like to thank everyone who has supported us over the last 12 months, and beyond, as well as
players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

Our impact

Thanks to the amazing contribution from supporters and partners, and a committed and passionate team, Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust continues to make a real impact, delivering diverse and inspirational projects that help to create habitats for our wildlife, tackle climate change and connect people to nature. Find out what you support has helped achieve 2022 Impact Report to fund out how.