Three quarters of York is rural and there are 22 rural parishes in addition to the urban and town councils. Even within urban York there are areas of 'countryside' such as the Strays, Hob Moor and the Ing’s land. These have considerable wildlife value that needs to be managed well in order to maintain and enhance this interest. Some of this land, especially within the urban area, is owned by the council.

How we can help

We already advise on public land and we are happy to advise on the management of any land within York, both privately owned or owned by us, in order to maintain and enhance the wildlife diversity.

In fact you may be contacted by us if your land is thought to be of interest, to see if there are ways we can help you manage it, either through advice or grant aid. Other organisations that may be able to help in providing advice include:

1. The British Trust for Conservation Volunteers for advice and assistance on general conservation work. See voluntary conservation groups
2. The Farming Wildlife Advisory Service (FWAG) for advice specifically for landowners on farmland. Visit the FWAG website.

There may also be opportunities to assist in the implementation of schemes through our links with the Environment Task Force (ETF), the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV), The North Yorkshire Countryside Apprentice scheme (MA) and the University Conservation Volunteer Group.

Contact the countryside service for more information.