Dales study of historical links between landscape and farming

Historical links between farming and the Dales landscape are being scrutinised by a team of researchers as part of the new 'Voices from the Land' project.

The ‘Voices from the Land’ project will see volunteers help record details of current farming practices and landscape features so that they can be compared to records from the 1930s to 1980s.

Led by The Farmer Network, the project has attracted £17,500 in funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and another £10,000 from the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority’s Sustainable Development Fund.

An analysis of the project’s findings will highlight the historical link between the farming industry and the countryside and the work will be presented in an exhibition at the Dales Countryside Museum in Hawes. It will then be added to the museum’s archives for future generations to benefit from.

The findings will also be available online and in a booklet.

Dales farmers and research students from Leeds University will be involved in the research.

Judith Donovan, member champion for promoting understanding at the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, said: “The landscape of this beautiful National Park is intrinsically linked with the farming community. For centuries it has been fashioned by the people who live and work here and its appearance owes much to them.

“This is a fascinating project that will enable everyone who has a love and an interest in the land to be aware of and to understand what the changes are and how they came about.”

Local husband and wife team Rob and Harriet Fraser have been charged with leading the project. They are interviewing prospective volunteers who will be needed from next month until June 2017.

An information day for potential volunteers will be held at the Dales Countryside Museum on September 26.