Introducing ourselves

Greenhow and District Conservation Group was conceived during 2003 by a number of local residents. With the help of The Yorkshire Wildlife Trust ( www.yorkshire-wildlife-trust.org.uk ) and officers from the Nidderdale AONB ( www.nidderdaleaonb.org.uk ) a Committee comprising Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer was elected  and the group was formally created during November of 2003

Because of Greenhow’s unusual situation, being 1300 ft above sea level and consequently very exposed to the elements, most of the land was considered not worthy of investment, apart from its lead deposits, as a result, little agricultural improvement was carried out in terms of fertilisers pesticides etc which resulted in a unique, unspoiled wildlife habitat.

In recent years the land has been grazed by sheep and the effect of the Common Agricultural Policy has been to encourage farmers to overstock. The consequence has been an apparent reduction in the variety of flora but, fortunately,  changes in policy have led to reduced grazing pressure and the sale of small parcels of land to individual owners has enabled people with an interest in biodiversity but with a source of income independent of the land to purchase property on ‘The Hill’.

Conservation group members, appreciating the unusual situation recognised that the first task for the group should be to commission a comprehensive wildlife survey in order to ascertain the status of the existing flora and fauna. This was done with the help of a grant from the Local Heritage Initiative ( www.lhi.org.uk ) and the Niderdale AONB.

Click here to view the survey report.