Kingsdale Head Farm – Yorkshire Dales 2024

Catherine Bryan and Tim Yetman purchased Kingsdale Head farm in the Yorkshire Dales in 2020 with aim of increasing its biodiversity and carbon sequestration potential. They conducted thorough research to understand the current nature on the holding, in order to plan how best to proceed with increasing its biodiversity. They have used a biodiversity quality index form to assess the farm which provides information on how nature recovery is progressing. Since the purchase, they have restored 400 hectares of peat and planted 16 hectares of scrub woodland, with plans for more to follow. They have also reared a small herd of cattle which sensitively graze the moorland and help protect the landscape. Catherine and Tim have shared their vision with neighbouring farmers to try and encourage wider nature recovery and have contributed to the Three Dales Landscape Recovery project which is driving forward nature recovery at a wider scale. They have partnered with organisations that can support their ambition for nature recovery, including the Woodland Trust and the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority. Kingsdale Head farm is a key nature recovery area within the park and since undertaking a more nature focused approach to the management of the farm, they have seen huge changes in the wildlife and habitat condition.