Earby-based Dales Holiday Cottages is supporting a new educational initiative to teach Dales schoolchildren more about their natural environment.

The Into the Meadows project, run by the Clapham-based Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust, aims to raise awareness of the natural, cultural and historical heritage of the precious upland hay meadows of the Yorkshire Dales. And Addison Southam from the company joined children from Bainbridge School for some educational activities at Colt Park meadow.

Addison said: “This programme gives local schools the chance to learn more about the wildflower meadows and it’s been great working with the students to learn more about how this incredible ecosystem works.

“Our business is showcasing the Dales, so ensuring the natural environment is protected for future generations through initiatives like this is essential. We hope more schools can get involved with the programme and experience the meadows for themselves.”

Tanya St Pierre, the trust’s Into the Meadows education officer, said: “We are very grateful to Dales Holiday Cottages for all their support and generosity which is playing a crucial role in allowing children to experience this important, iconic and threatened habitat first hand.

“Allowing children to explore and discover the amazing variety of wild plants and animals that live within a species-rich hay meadow helps them to understand what a complex and important ecosystem it is. It’s only with the help of our partners that we can continue to provide these fun and educational visits.”