Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust

Who we are

Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust (YDMT) was set up in 1996 to support the environmental, social and economic well-being of the Yorkshire Dales. 

In the early days, conserving the jigsaw of heritage features that make up the unique Yorkshire Dales landscape was the core of our work. We planted trees and rebuilt barns, footpaths, village halls and heritage features.

We still do all of that, but today our role is much wider as we work to support every aspect of life in this special area. 

We help to provide countryside apprenticeships for young people, have planted over 1.3 million native broadleaf trees, support hundreds of community projects and bring people from disadvantaged backgrounds to the Dales for the first time.

To date the Trust has helped to deliver a wide range of inspiring projects worth more than £28 million in the Yorkshire Dales and surrounding areas.

Over time the nature of our work evolves in response to the changing needs of this special place and the communities within it, but our passion for the Yorkshire Dales and our commitment to caring for all aspects of life here remain constant.

Our Aims  

• Conserve or restore the natural, built, scenic and cultural heritage features which together make up the special landscape of the Dales
• Increase access for all by developing and promoting opportunities for wider access to and understanding of the Dales
• Support the economic life of the area, including enhancing employable skills 
• Support the people and communities of the Dales to live and work sustainably in this protected landscape.

Our Values

Sustainability: We strive to work for environment, community and economy

Creative and ambitious: We innovate in order to succeed

Integrity: We are open, clear and fair in everything we do

Value people: We develop, respect and listen to our staff, partners, beneficiaries and supporters

Embracing change: We thrive on new challenges

Diversity: We welcome and respect all

Our Achievements

The Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust has built a reputation as a "doing" organisation, and we pride ourselves on working hard to achieve practical results, including:

• Planting more than 1.3 million new native trees
• Engaging over 33,000 people in wildflower events
• Improving more than 650 hectares of degraded hay meadows 
• Leading more than 8,000 people from disadvantaged urban backgrounds into the Dales for health and well-being benefits

The Team

It goes without saying that our team of staff and trustees, led by Chairman David Shaw and Chief Executive David Sharrod, are a hands-on, enterprising and hardworking group of people, who are passionate about the Yorkshire Dales.

We have skills and experience in grant management, project management, fundraising and marketing, and building strategic partnerships.