Money put up to improve life in moors' rural communities

North York Moors National Park has established a war chest for regeneration and environmental projects costing 5,000 or less.

An offshoot of the North York Moors Coast & Hills Leader Programme, the fund will dish out 150,000 to rural development projects between now and December 2011.

Among those to receive money will be village renewal and development projects that enhance the local environment, strengthen and generate community cohesion or encourage community activities and village events.

Conservation schemes linked to rural heritage that promote understanding of the working landscape and protect traditional skills will also benefit.

Successful projects will be implemented by the North York Moors National Park Authority with responsibility reverting to the owner or parish once the work has been completed.

Clair Shields, the Small Scale Enhancement Scheme Coordinator, said: "Parish plans often highlight a wish list of small-scale improvement projects that don't get off the ground due to a lack of time, skills, guidance or the financial resources to develop them further. The scheme provides a fantastic opportunity to implement these ideas."

To find out more about the scheme or to discuss an idea, contact Clair Shields or Rebecca Thompson on 01439 770657 or email [email protected]

The North York Moors, Coast and Hills Leader Programme is a partnership of local organisations, community groups and individuals.

It has secured 3.1m in total from Defra and the European Union through Yorkshire Forward and One North East as part of the Rural Development Programme for England.