THE ancient craft of scything and the art of dry stone walling are among the skills being taught thanks to heritage lottery cash.

The Stories in Stone scheme will also offer training in botanical observation, woodland management and traditional building.

The conservation and community projects in the Ingleborough area are all led by the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust

Stories in Stone administrator, Hannah Rose, said: “Following the success of last year’s courses and increased awareness of Stories in Stone, I am really pleased with the range of courses available this year.

"With subsidised places available on all courses, the programme offers cost-effective opportunities for people to learn new skills and to get involved.”

The project works with the Lowe Maintenance organisation and Alison Armstrong will focus on the buildings which contribute to the unique character of the Ingleborough Dales landscape, and the clues they give us as to how people used to live and work.

Alison will also lead an introduction on drawing vernacular buildings, where she will cover the skills required in effectively recording buildings.

The new botanical identification courses range from basic identification and surveying skills, to courses focussing on local habitats and flowering plant groups.

The courses aimed at leaders of guided walks will cover the basics of planning walks, navigation, group management and health and safety requirements, as well as specific topics of interest such as using landscape interpretation and incorporating stories and activities for families.

Hannah said: “We hope the courses will give people the skills and confidence to help record, manage and explain the area’s wonderful natural and built landscape.”

Course details including entry requirements and costs are available from Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust’s website www.ydmt.org/get-involved or by contacting Hannah on 015242 51002 or email hannah.rose@ydmt.org.