GRANT money is on offer for people and groups who want to preserve and improve the ironstone heritage of the North York Moors.

This Exploited Land of Iron is a £3.8 million project funded by the lottery. It launched in March this year, with the aim of recording and conserving landmarks and features left by the ironstone industry; looking after the natural habitats that have since found a niche in the landscape; and funding new ways of telling people about the ironstone history.

Project manager Tom Mutton said: “The Land of Iron project was conceived and is being run by local people who are passionate about ensuring the ironstone history of the North York Moors is not forgotten.

“This grants scheme offers a great way for the whole community to get involved and be part of the story. We are very open to all kinds of applications and all bids will be assessed by a community panel. I am really looking forward to seeing the ideas that come forward.”

Information is available from www.northyorkmoors.org.uk/landofirongrants or via the project team on landofiron@northyorkmoors.org.uk or 01439 772700.