A MAJOR survey of farm buildings in the newest section of the Yorkshire Dales National Park is set to be undertaken across the next three years.

The aim is to provide a better understanding of the number, distribution, type and condition of farm buildings in the ‘Westmorland Dales’ - a chunk of land to the west of the national park which incorporates the town of Kirkby Stephen and was only included in the park boundary in 2016.

Training events for volunteers to carry out the survey have already been held, and there is still availability for anyone who wishes to take part.

The survey has been organised by the Westmorland Dales Landscape Partnership, a national-lottery-backed scheme involving multiple organisations which aims to ‘unlock and reveal the hidden heritage of the Westmorland Dales’.

“The survey is a major undertaking and we have to say a huge thank you to all of the volunteers who have signed up to help us,” said Hannah Kingsbury, cultural heritage officer with the landscape partnership scheme.

“Whilst we’ve had a fantastic response to our initial call for volunteers, there is still an opportunity for more people to join the team and help us to build a more detailed picture of the number and type of farm buildings that exist in the area.”

Volunteers will undertake two levels of survey. The first will be conducted from the viewpoints of public rights of way and roads, and will involve recording the location of structures.

The second will be a more detailed survey of buildings, carried out only after permission from landowners has been sought and granted.

The information collected will be added to the YDNPA’s Historic Environment Record; its database for historic buildings, sites and monuments.

Those interested in volunteering for the survey, which begins in 2020, can contact Hannah Kingsbury on 01539756624 or via Hannah-Kingsbury@fld.org.uk.