About Us

We are an independent charity striving to improve the health of people and nature.

Through creative and inclusive projects in education, recreation, conservation, health, and the arts, we provide opportunities for people to meaningfully connect with nature - enjoy its many benefits - and be inspired to protect it.

Our work spans the North York Moors National Park and surrounding communities, including Teesside and Scarborough.

We work in partnership with others to deliver a range of innovative and inspiring projects that support local communities and the environment to thrive together.

The North York Moors is rich in natural beauty, biodiversity, and recognised for its benefits to health and wellbeing. Yet many of the communities on its doorstep experience some of the poorest life outcomes in England.

We believe everyone deserves access to nature - and that by bringing people and nature closer together, we can help both thrive.

Our History

The North York Moors Trust was founded in 2015, following a generous legacy left by the late Anya McCracken and Alan Smith. Their gift laid the foundation for a charity dedicated to the health of both people and nature in the North York Moors.

Established to provide careful financial stewardship of this legacy, the Trust has since grown into a dynamic organisation, working with a range of partners to deliver impactful projects that help communities and the environment thrive together.

In partnership with the North York Moors National Park Authority, the Trust helps manage Anya and Alan’s Wood in Hawnby—a lasting tribute to their vision and values.

The North York Moors National Park Trust was formally incorporated as a company limited by guarantee on 6 November 2015 and became a registered charity on 25 November 2016.