Respite under the Yorkshire Dales dark skies

February 7, 2024

In October, we took seven families to camp under the stars for the first time and enjoy some respite in the Yorkshire Dales at Swinton Estate’s Bivouac site in Masham.

Women and children from Apna Haq in Rotherham who are experiencing domestic violence, spent three days in the stunning Dales landscape. For the group, it was an opportunity to have time away from difficult lives and find a place of belonging and safety where families could spend time together, enjoy each other’s company, and meet people going through similar experiences.

Over the three days we explored the local area, discovered brilliant mosses and fungi and visited Swinton Estate’s walled garden. We also
had a taster session at Swinton Birds of Prey, learnt how to make our own pizzas, and fed the Swinton goats and chickens!

One participant said: “It was my first time camping. I really enjoyed it. I live by myself at home, so coming here and eating breakfast and
dinner all together, it meant a lot to me. It was fun. Everyone was always shouting for me to come and join them. I will miss it when I go home.”

The beauty and tranquillity of the Yorkshire Dales is restorative and healing. We look after it, so it can also look after us.

Thank you to YDMT Trustee, Mark Cunliffe-Lister, for gifting us this stay and to Sophie and the whole of the Bivouac team who made us
feel so welcome.

This event was part of Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust’s People and the DALES outreach project that helps to tackle the barriers that prevent people from accessing and enjoying the countryside, and make everyone feel welcome.