DALES campaigners have seen how a farmer is turning part of his land into habitat for birds and squirrels and how cattle are allowed to graze at will.

Members of the Yorkshire Dales Society had an "inspirational" visit to Nethergill Farm, high above Langstrothdale, on the Dales Way long distance path near the tiny hamlet of Oughtershaw.

Owned by Chris and Fiona Clark, the 400 or so acres of high Dales land are farmed using innovative conservation techniques.

Society chairman, Mark Corner, said: “Nearly 30 of our members, trustees and volunteers had a superb visit to Nethergill Farm last Saturday – blessed by glorious sunshine.

"Chris and Fiona provided us with a unique and distinctive insight into how they combine farming, food and nature in a sustainable way."

The Clarks had fenced off a copse of Scots Pine to allow natural regeneration of bilberries, heather and new tree seedlings, which had in turn created a fantastic habitat for birds and red squirrels.

The hardy breeds of hill cattle and sheep are allowed to choose for themselves where to graze, moving at will across the farm through gates deliberately left open.

By carefully limiting the numbers of cattle and sheep kept, the Clarks have seen a huge increase in the health of their animals and quality of the meat most, of which they process into ready meals, Mr Corner added.

And close to the farmhouse is a large bird hide, constructed by young people working for a Yorkshire social enterprise using a durable material made from recycled plastic bags.