Friends of the Dales is the only membership charity dedicated to protecting and enhancing the Dales and encouraging people to value and enjoy this special area. We have a good track record on campaigning, in monitoring and intervening in planning matters, and in facilitating awareness and enjoyment of the landscape, biodiversity and cultural heritage of the Dales.
We offer an independent voice and can challenge unbalanced or inappropriate policies or plans. For example we review hundreds of proposals for new developments in the Dales every year and submit supportive comments or constructive objections on the most significant ones. We publish a high quality quarterly magazine for our members, and offer a year round programme of walks, talks and behind the scenes visits to places such as farms and Dales businesses, helping people gain an insight to the Dales and what makes it so special.
We have over 1200 members, both individuals and businesses/groups. The more members we have the more impact we can make with organisations and authorities in protecting the place we all love. We rely entirely on voluntary subscriptions, donations and legacies to cover our running costs. The bulk of our charitable work is carried out by unpaid volunteers, with a small office staff to provide support.
