In the picturesque valley of Swaledale, nestled in the northern reaches of the Yorkshire Dales National Park, a group of passionate locals is proving that grassroots action can drive real environmental change. The group, Sustainable Swaledale, was born five years ago from a simple idea: if the community wants to see change, it has to lead it. What began as a conversation over a pint and chips in a local pub has grown into a vibrant, award-winning initiative that combines local action with a broader vision for sustainability.
Sustainable Swaledale’s approach is rooted in local action rather than large-scale activism. Their work spans a variety of projects that aim to protect and enhance the natural environment of the Dales while fostering a sense of community responsibility. One of their flagship initiatives is the Together for Trees project, which focuses on planting trees and hedges to restore biodiversity. In partnership with the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust, the group has planted over 3,000 trees in the first year alone across Swaledale and Arkengarthdale. This project not only revitalizes the local landscape but also lays the groundwork for long-term conservation efforts by monitoring tree survival rates and ensuring proper management.
Rachel Antill, the chair of Sustainable Swaledale, emphasizes that these efforts are about more than just planting trees. “We want to reintroduce native trees that have disappeared from the area,” she says, “and make sure they thrive for generations to come.”
Another major undertaking is the five-year Swifts, Swallows, and Martins Project, which tracks the populations of these birds in Swaledale. With national populations of these species in decline, Sustainable Swaledale is contributing valuable data to help understand the local and national trends. Volunteers monitor nest sites and bird numbers, while the group also provides nest boxes to encourage the birds’ return each year.
Bird conservation is a key priority for Sustainable Swaledale, as these species play an essential role in the local ecosystem. Rachel explains, “It’s vital that we understand what’s happening to our swifts, swallows, and martins. These birds are part of the fabric of the Dales, and we’re doing everything we can to help them.”
Sustainable Swaledale’s efforts don’t stop with birds and trees. The group has also established a tree nursery, spearheaded by member Naomi Meredith. By collecting seeds from native trees and growing saplings, they aim to increase tree diversity in the Dales and combat the effects of diseases like Ash Dieback and Dutch Elm Disease. This year, the first batch of trees—including hazel and witch elm—will be ready for planting, a milestone in the group’s long-term plan to replenish the local tree population.
Meadow restoration is another area of focus for the group. With 97% of the UK’s meadows lost since World War II, restoring even small patches of this rare habitat is critical. Sustainable Swaledale’s meadow project seeks to protect and restore these vital ecosystems, which support a wide range of plant and animal species.
At the heart of Sustainable Swaledale’s success is its ability to engage the local community. Whether through tree planting, seed collecting, or gardening, residents are encouraged to take an active role in protecting their environment. One of the group’s standout projects is the community vegetable garden, established in 2019. Located at the local GP practice in Reeth, the garden features six raised beds where anyone can grow, tend, and harvest vegetables. Local schoolchildren have also joined in, cultivating salad vegetables and learning about the importance of sustainable food production.
As Sustainable Swaledale’s secretary Margaret Feetham points out, community involvement is key to the group’s ethos: “It’s important that people feel a sense of ownership over the environment. Volunteering not only helps the planet but also contributes to individual well-being.”
Sustainable Swaledale’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. Last year, the group received the Caring for the Environment Award at the North Yorkshire Council’s Community Awards. They were also shortlisted for the Campaign for National Parks Changemaker of the Year award in 2023.
Looking to the future, Rachel Antill is optimistic about the group’s ongoing work. “Whatever we do locally, especially when we collaborate, can have a ripple effect,” she says. “Whether we’re regenerating native trees or helping to prevent flooding further downstream, everything we do here in Swaledale contributes to the broader fight against climate change.”
From restoring biodiversity through tree planting to monitoring vulnerable bird populations, Sustainable Swaledale is making a tangible difference in the Yorkshire Dales. Their grassroots efforts showcase how local action, driven by a deep love for the land, can contribute to global environmental challenges. Through projects that engage and empower the community, Sustainable Swaledale is not only helping to protect the Dales but also inspiring others to take small steps towards sustainability in their own backyards.
For more information about Sustainable Swaledale and their ongoing projects, visit their website at www.sustainableswaledale.org.
