The transformation of a popular walking spot is all going according to schedule.
Roseberry Topping, a distinctive hill in North Yorkshire, has had the first path of ten repaired, ensuring improved access to nature for visitors.
The National Trust and North York Moors National Park Authority have worked in partnership to repair and resurface the path through generous donations.
The series of donations and grants from funding bodies, totalling at £700,000, ensures each of the paths can now be repaired.
The improvements include works to the drainage, and restoring lost flora to the hillside that had been damaged by erosion and footfall.
After seven months of continuous efforts, including helicopter lifts of the heaviest materials, the first path has been completed on time.
In the coming months, the upland grasses will re-establish, providing improved natural habitats and reduced scarring.
The remaining nine paths will have the same considered upgrades, staggered over the coming years.
The developments will ensure that the idillic landscape can continue to be enjoyed and appreciated well into the future.
Funding
Around 50% of the total funding was through grants from both the National Grids Landscape Enhancement Initiative, and Defra’s Farming in Protected Landscapes Scheme.
Further donations were awarded by the HF Holidays Pathways fund, working to preserve the countryside and maintain special places, as well as the British Mountaineering Councils ‘Mend our Mountains’ project.
Gail Buzzard, General Manager for the National Trust, said: “Now that the funding is confirmed, the team can work on the next phase of plans and how best to balance our conservation activity with people visiting Roseberry Topping.
“It’s so good to see the results of the first path and this is just the start.”
Commenting on their donation, Chris Simmonds, CEO of HF Holidays said: “Since 1998, the HF Holidays Pathways Fund has supported the protection and preservation of the countryside landscapes where our guests and members love to walk.
“Our contribution towards the repairs at Roseberry Topping is the largest Pathways donation to date and will help improve access for walkers and others who enjoy taking time outdoors.”
What’s next?
The team working on the paths are seeding the last areas of phase one, and will then leave the site to settle and re-establish.
Whilst this goes on, visitors are reminded to stick to the paths to allow the flora to grow.
Phase two is already within reach, with surveys undertaken around four more paths in order to establish the correct approach.
If the relevant applications are permitted, work could begin on these areas as early as Spring 2025.
Joel Brookfield, Director of Recreation and Wellbeing at the North York Moors National Park Authority, said: “I want to thank all those involved in supporting the work at Roseberry, from the approval of the grants to the teams on the ground.
“National Park and National Trust staff and volunteers help to care for this beauty spot every day and work tirelessly for the benefit of all.”
To keep up with the latest updates of Roseberry Topping, visit the webpage here.