Skell Valley Project

A sustainable future for the Skell Valley

Nidderdale National Landscape and The National Trust are the lead partners of 16 organisations who have come together to deliver the Skell Valley Project, which will create a sustainable future for the Skell Valley.

Over the last five years partners, farmers, landowners and communities living, working and visiting the valley have worked together to develop and shape the scheme.

For the latest news, visit the project’s dedicated page on the National Trust’s website.

To get in touch with the Skell Valley Project team, email [email protected]

Where is the Skell Valley?

The scheme focuses on the 12 short but glorious miles of the River Skell, descending from the wild remote moorland of Dallowgill Moor to the Vale of York and the historic City of Ripon, while traversing at least six millennia of human history. Some of the most ancient human objects in this living landscape are the names of the rivers, the Skell name may have come with the Vikings and their word skjallr, meaning ‘resounding’ from its swift and noisy course.

The upper and middle stretches of the river lie wholly within Nidderdale National Landscape and include the National Trust’s Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal estate, inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 1986. The lower stretches flow through  farmland and the open grasslands and wooded banks of Hell Wath before reaching the bustling historic city of Ripon.

Why is the Project so important?

The Valley and its unique cultural and natural heritage are under threat from a number of forces.

• Climate change is causing extreme weather conditions around the world. Extreme flooding events have caused irreparable damage to Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal. The high level of silt deposited in the river is threatening its ecology. Silt is also affecting the water features at Grantley Hall, Eavestone Lake and Ripon Canal. If a different approach to looking after the land and the water that flows through it can’t be found, then the heritage of the valley could disappear forever.
• Due to neglect there is a significant risk of loss of heritage along the Skell Valley. At Eavestone Lake maturing trees and silt in the lake are closing in on the designed landscape and obscuring views. Poor condition of built and landscape features in the Chinese Garden, at Aldfield Spa and the WW1 heritage in Ripon means we risk losing part of our heritage forever.
• Throughout the valley there is a decline in nature. Poor water quality due to the amount of sedimentation in the river threatens wildlife and there is an increase in invasive species such as Himalayan balsam and signal crayfish.
• When we undertook research for the project it was clear that there were significant barriers to people accessing nature, heritage and the outdoors. Some groups were less likely to use the natural environment for recreation. Barriers include money, access to travel, lack of information and confidence about going to the countryside.

What is the Skell Valley Project going to do?

It is made up of 15 individual projects which all fit together to form a clear and ambitious vision for the river and the landscape. The delivery of the projects will start from 2021 and run to 2025 and the scheme will cost approximately £2.5 million.

These projects are set out under four key themes:

Landscape is resilient

We’ll help tackle the threats of climate change and ensure we play our part in a ‘green’ recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic- making the landscape, its people and the local economy more resilient.

• Projects: Healthy Land Healthy River, Enterprising Landscape, Tourism development in the Skell Valley

Nature Thrives

We’ll reverse the decline in nature, conserve ancient trees and woodlands and the wildlife they support and create nature-rich spaces where people live.

• Projects: Native & Ancient Woods of the Skell Valley, Hug an Ancient Tree, Hell Wath- Green gateway to the Skell Valley

People are empowered

We’ll empower people to deliver projects for nature, heritage and landscape by supporting them in learning the skills they need and removing current barriers that stop people accessing the outdoors and nature around them.

• Projects: Skell Valley Task Force, Digging Deep in the Archives, Volunteering City of Ripon, Nature on Your Doorstep, Watery Wildlife

Heritage is celebrated

We’ll save our heritage from the threats of climate change and general neglect. We’ll create new and exciting opportunities for people to explore the nature and history of the Skell Valley and be involved in its care.

• Projects: Revealing the Serpent Valley & Chinese Garden, Sulphur, Springs and Spas, Exploring the Skell Valley, Enhancing Eavestone’s Lakes