Doing Our Bit for the Dales – the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust 🌿

We’ve always believed in looking after the places we love to run, walk and explore. That’s why, through our 1% for the Planet commitment, part of every Chia Charge purchase helps support the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust (YDMT) — a brilliant local charity doing real, practical work to protect and improve this incredible part of the world.

The latest YDMT Impact Report makes for inspiring reading. It’s packed with good news about trees, meadows, people and wildlife — exactly the kind of things that make the Dales such a special place to be outdoors.

Wildflower Meadow Restoration Site

People, Places and Positive Action

YDMT doesn’t just talk about change; they make it happen. In the past year they’ve:

🌱 Planted 147,778 native trees and hedgerow trees, creating habitats that help wildlife thrive and store carbon for the future.

🌼 Restored 35.8 hectares of wildflower meadows across 24 sites – turning back the clock on biodiversity loss and giving bees and butterflies a fighting chance.

👩🌾 Supported 10 new rural apprentices and woodland trainees, helping young people start rewarding green careers. Many of these trainees go on to full-time conservation and land management roles, keeping skills and passion rooted in the Dales.

🌳 Celebrated 20 years of the Long Preston Floodplain Project, working with farmers to restore wetland habitats and create homes for wading birds like Curlew and Lapwing.

🐝 Marked 10 years of BeeWalks, with volunteers recording over 21,000 bees and helping to track vital pollinator populations across the Dales and Forest of Bowland.

That’s the kind of “getting stuff done” energy we love.

Nature for Everyone

What’s really special about YDMT is how they connect people to nature. Through projects like Green Routes, hundreds of young people from cities such as Bradford and Blackburn got to experience the Dales first-hand — camping, cooking over fires, and learning how good it feels to get muddy and breathe clean air.

Almost 80% of those taking part said their wellbeing improved after visiting. It’s a reminder that time outdoors isn’t just nice — it’s essential.

Community Potting on Event

Why We Support Them

Through 1% for the Planet, we donate a share of our sales to environmental causes that take real action — and YDMT fits that perfectly. They’re a local organisation with a national impact, creating a more resilient landscape for wildlife, and giving people a deeper connection to the outdoors.

When you choose Chia Charge, you’re not just fuelling your next run or adventure — you’re helping plant trees, restore meadows, and support the communities who care for this beautiful landscape.

Looking Ahead

YDMT’s new 2025–2028 strategy is all about scaling up nature recovery, creating more partnerships, and inspiring the next generation of conservationists. With over £1.77 million raised and more ambitious projects underway, they’re tackling the big challenges — from climate change to inequality in access to green spaces — with determination and creativity.

Apprentices for 2025

We’re proud to play a small part in that.

If you’d like to find out more or get involved, visit ydmt.org