Huge inequalities in the UK make it hard for many people from disadvantaged communities to visit and benefit from the special landscapes here in the Yorkshire Dales. 

Through our outreach project - People and the DALES - we're helping to tackle the barriers that prevent people from accessing and enjoying the countryside, and make everyone feel welcome.  

Diversity, Access, Learning, Environment, Sustainability

People and the DALES stands for Diversity, Access, Learning, Education and Sustainability. We think that about sums up what we do – to enable people from diverse backgrounds to access the countryside, learn about nature and benefit from spending time in the Yorkshire Dales. But it doesn’t tell the whole story. 

Since we first started out in 2009 People and the DALES has reached thousands of children and adults from disadvantaged communities, many of whom had never visited the countryside before.

It’s getting to know the people and hearing their stories that helps show why this work is so important. For many people a day out in the countryside can be a life-changing experience. It helps them leave their troubles behind, meet new people, and relax. It gives them hope that life can be better. 

Watch BBC Look North's coverage of one of our lambing events with a group of refugees from Lancashire.

Who is People and the DALES for? 

The communities we reach are from urban areas around the Yorkshire Dales, including Leeds, Bradford and North West Lancashire. We work with refugee and asylum seekers, people with a disability or mental health difficulties, young people from inner cities, ethnic minority groups and people from deprived areas. 

Our activities offer the chance to experience something new and positive in the Yorkshire Dales – helping people to learn new skills, forge friendships, feel healthier and more relaxed. It’s amazing to see the difference a day in the countryside can make. 

• Day visits – such as nature walks, environmental activities, kite flying, craft activities and farm visits
• Practical work – dry stone walling, path laying, woodland management and work on a hill farm
• Residentials – for those that would benefit from a night away from home
• Training - for community group leaders. 

We can support groups by providing outdoor clothing and where possible helping towards transport or residential costs.

Coming back to the Dales  

People and the DALES aims to inspire groups to spend more time in green spaces – whether it’s in the Yorkshire Dales or when they are back at home. We also support community groups to come back to the Dales independently, by providing training for groups on how to organise their own future visits, and building better links between rural and urban community groups.

 

 

Learn more about our work 

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