First Path Repairs Completed at Roseberry Topping as Further Funding Secured

Work to improve the first route at Roseberry Topping from Newton Woods to the summit is now complete

The first path to be repaired has completed on time at this popular local walking spot as more funding is secured for the remaining nine paths ensuring improved access to nature for local residents and visitors with surveys are ongoing for the next phase of work and the intention to start four more paths in spring 2025

The National Trust and North York Moors National Park Authority have worked in partnership to repair and resurface the path, improve drainage, and restore lost flora to the hillside that had been damaged by erosion and footfall. After seven months of continuous efforts including two helicopter lifts of the heaviest materials, the path has completed on time. In the coming months, the upland grasses will re-establish providing improved natural habitats and reduced scarring, and this is just the beginning.

A series of generous donations and grants from funding bodies totalling around £700,000 ensures all ten paths at Roseberry Topping can now be repaired. The remaining nine paths will have the same considered upgrades, staggered over the coming years, ensuring this iconic feature in the landscape can continue to be enjoyed and appreciated long into the future.

Around 50% of the total funding amount is thanks to grants from National Grid's Landscape Enhancement Initiative and Defra’s Farming in Protected Landscapes Scheme. Further sums were awarded by the HF Holidays Pathways Fund – which works to preserve the countryside and maintain special places - and the British Mountaineering Council’s ‘Mend our Mountains’ project. A generous legacy donation left to the National Trust will also go towards the restoration work, along with a grant from the North York Moors National Park Authority.

Gail Buzzard, General Manager for the National Trust said:

“Now that the funding is confirmed, the team can work on the next phase of plans and how best to balance our conservation activity with people visiting Roseberry Topping. It’s so good to see the results of the first path and this is just the start.

We want to thank visitors for supporting the work at Roseberry Topping by following the diversions and sticking to the paths going forward. We are determined to continue with ongoing opportunities to help local people connect with the nature on their doorstep.”

Commenting on their donation to support the work at Roseberry Topping, Chris Simmonds, CEO of HF Holidays said:

“Since 1998, the HF Holidays Pathways Fund has supported the protection and preservation of the countryside landscapes where our guests and members love to walk. Our contribution towards the repairs at Roseberry Topping is the largest Pathways donation to date and will help improve access for walkers and others who enjoy taking time in the outdoors.”

Along with walkers, those who volunteer, giving up their time to help to look after the countryside have welcomed the news. Mike Conlon, British Mountaineering Council (BMC) North East Access & Conservation Volunteer said:

“Personally, I think it is important that the BMC as a representative body, is seen to contribute to this work. As happens elsewhere, individuals step off the constructed path, causing erosion to the sides and leaving the path elevated which makes some folk reluctant to use them.”

As the team seeds the last areas of phase one and leaves the site to settle and re-establish, visitors are reminded to stick to the paths to allow the flora to grow. Thoughts are already onto phase two. Currently, surveys are being undertaken around four more paths, to inform and establish the correct approach. If relevant applications are permitted, work could start on these as early as spring 2025.

Joel Brookfield, Director of Recreation and Wellbeing at the North York Moors National Park Authority, said:

“I want to thank all those involved in supporting the work at Roseberry, from the approval of the grants to the teams on the ground. National Park and National Trust staff and volunteers help to care for this beauty spot every day and work tirelessly for the benefit of all. Visitors can continue to enjoy their trip to the top and wildlife can slowly move back in and reclaim any lost habitats as repair work evolves.”

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