TIME is running out for people to apply to apply for a grant to help towards conservation projects in the Ingleborough area from the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust.

The grants are part of Stories in Stone, a programme of community and heritage projects developed by the Ingleborough Dales Landscape Partnership, led by the millennium trust and supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Heritage grants of up to £5,000 are available for projects that restore, celebrate or increase understanding of the area’s natural, historical and cultural features.

There are two deadlines for applications fast approaching, one next month and the other in May, and with the Stories in Stone project coming to the end of its four year life span, it might be the last chance people have for applying for these particular grants.

Projects supported in the past have included a series of walk leaflets about archaeological features on Ingleborough, the restoration of historical village features, and the improvement of facilities for visitors to farms.

Grants have also been provided towards interpretation panels about Ingleton’s railway heritage and also about Settle’s history and habitat conservation.

Restoration work to the picturesque Thorns Gill Bridge, near Ribblehead, has also been supported by the programme.

Chris Lodge, project officer at the millennium trust, said: “The heritage grants scheme provides the opportunity for residents and groups to help protect the rich historical and natural heritage of the Ingleborough area. If anyone has an idea for a project, I’d be happy to talk it through with them.”

People can find out more if their particular project will fit the criteria, by either talking to Mr Lodge, or going on line for more information, but projects do need to be completed by the end of the year

He said:“As we’re now going into the final year of the four-year scheme, this may be the last opportunity to access a grant. We expect competition to be high and we’ll need to prioritise the projects that we can fund, but we’ll support as many as we can.”

Stories in Stone is enabling people from all backgrounds and of all ages to learn about, enjoy and help manage the limestone landscape around Ingleborough, both above and below ground. The programme is delivering a large number of projects including restoring field barns and wildlife habitats, involving people in archaeological digs, digitising archives, providing a range of training opportunities, offering new learning opportunities for school children, improving physical and intellectual access, and delivering events and activities.

Deadlines for applications are March 26 and May 21. Potential applicants can contact Chris Lodge by email at: chris.lodge@ydmt.org or by telephone, 015242 51002. Guidance and an application form can be downloaded from: storiesinstone.org.uk. All projects need to be completed by the end of the year.