AN INTERNATIONAL business at the forefront of innovation and technology in the agricultural sector, has partnered with the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust to create a lasting legacy for agriculture in the Yorkshire Dales and surrounding areas.

The agreement with the Carr’s Group will see the creation of new native broadleaf woodlands with Carrs Billington Agriculture providing sponsorship towards the Clapham-based charity’s woodland grants programme.

Trees are hugely valuable as a habitat for wildlife, supporting some of the country’s most endangered woodland animals; they also have a number of benefits on a farm.

They can be planted on areas of un-used farmland or gills, and can help provide shade and shelter to stock. Trees also help with water quality, reducing pollution, flood risk and soil erosion.

Support for people, the environment and sustainable farm improvements will be central to the partnership.

Jim McRobert, regional branch manager for Hawes and Malton Carrs Billington, said:“As a business, we are really excited to link our networks and knowledge of the agricultural sector in the Dales with the expertise at YDMT.

“By coming together we can make a lasting difference for the environment and for farming.”

The partnership was launched at Hesper Farm in Bell Busk - makers of Skyr yoghurt - with farmers Brian, Judith and Sam Moorhouse, alongside teams from YDMT and Carr’s.

As part of the partnership, three YDMT apprentices and trainees also had the opportunity to interview Carr’s Group chief executive, Tim Davies.

He said:“I passionately believe that we need to further connect young people with farming, whilst also ensuring that farmers can support looking after the environment for the future.

“Through working with YDMT, we have the chance to do both of these things and create a legacy not just for agriculture in the Dales, but also for our environment.”

David Sharrod, YDMT chief executive, added:“We know that if we can work with Carr’s to better engage with farming networks, and break down some of the perceived barriers between the agricultural and environmental sectors, we can make a significant difference to our environment. Farmers are custodians of the land and care deeply about it.

“We are really grateful for this support in helping to restore native woodland to the Yorkshire Dales.”

For more information on the Woodland grants programme contact Carol Douglas on 015242 51002.