Following an initial idea by CPRE Members in Ryedale, the Thornton le Dale (TLD) Hub was set up about 12 months ago by a group of like-minded local residents who were concerned about a gradual decline in both community-spirit and village facilities. The idea behind it was to involve a group of volunteers with a broad range of skills to organise a range of projects that would help, benefit and enhance the village and reignite the fading community-spirit.

The project has been so successful that the North York Moors National Park team invited members of the TLD Hub to act as a ‘model’ helping other villages within the National Park to seek the same feat. To achieve this, they visited other such communities and presented information talking them through the process and outlining their ideas and tips for achievement.

Trustees from CPRE North Yorkshire (CPRENY) were invited to visit Thornton Le Dale as they were preparing for the Yorkshire in Bloom Competition. It is hoped that following the successes of this small community, other Parishes throughout the county may be inspired to follow in their footsteps. CPRENY are hoping to re-establish their Best Kept Village competition – watch this space for more information later in the year!

In the past 12 months the TLD Hub have done a lot of work. This includes litter picks and general ‘street-cleans’ throughout the seasons, bringing old street furniture back to life including painting the village railings. Their biggest project to date, focussed on turning the pond area into a place where family, children and residents could meet and enjoy the natural beauty of nature. This included the creation of bird boxes (including floating ones), feeding stations, composters and even wooden wildlife sculptures all of which can be viewed when participating in their newly created nature trail.

CPRE North Yorkshire Trustee Fran Evans commented how impressed she was by how the whole community supported the project, including the local Rainbow Group who designed and built the bug hotel. 

Walking around, it was impossible not to acknowledge the sense of pride amongst the residents about the village. It was amazing to see first-hand how much local people, of all ages, working together can make a big difference whilst enjoying themselves. Following on from the success of these environmental projects, the TLD Hub now organise community dinners, fund-raising initiatives and have even formed a choir!

Trustees were impressed with how the successful environmental initiative has helped to combat rural loneliness; and is restoring pride in their local surroundings. They even created a sensory community herb garden!

The hard work of the dedicated volunteers in the community, helped secure the Gold Award for the TLD Hub in the ‘Yorkshire in Bloom’ Competition and also the Discretionary award for Best New Entry.

Well done to all involved!