North York Moors project is shortlisted for national charity campaign award

A PROJECT in the North York Moors has been shortlisted for an award being run by the national charity Campaign for National Parks.

Discovering the Esk, is one of five projects shortlisted for the Park Protector award in recognition of a piece of work inspiring communities to love the River Esk, which runs for 28 miles through North Yorkshire before emptying into the sea at Whitby.

It works with schools and angling clubs to inspire people of all ages to protect and conserve the River Esk. Its activities include monitoring water quality, learning angling skills and even exploring the life cycle of salmon in a classroom fish tank.

The winning project will be announced at a parliamentary reception in October and will receive a £2,000 boost to its work, a highly commended prize of £500 will also be awarded.

Kate Bailey of Esk and Coastal Streams Catchment Partnership said: “We are very grateful that Discovering the Esk has been shortlisted for the 2018 Park Protector Award.

“The grant would enable us to offer support and training to our volunteers who play such an important part in helping to care for the Esk catchment.”

Other shortlisted nominees include a project to protect woodlands in the New Forest, the restoration of a bog in Dartmoor, a volunteer scheme in Snowdonia and a conservation project in the White Peak of the Peak District.

Andrew Hall of Campaign for National Parks said: “This tremendous shortlist reflects the incredible quality of applicants and the dedication of people across from across England and Wales to their National Parks.

“The Parks face many challenges, but each year the Park Protector Award reminds me of the depth of feeling out there for England and Wales’ best landscapes.”

The parliamentary reception, on October 17, will be attended by journalist and advisor Julian Glover who is leading the Government’s review into England’s designated landscapes.