THE North York Moors have benefited from nearly £3m from Brussels and Westminster to safeguard the future of the heather landscape and its moorland sheep.

Bracken growing out of control on the moors is a key threat, according to Michael Graham, estates and moorland officer with the National Park Authority.

Writing in the North Yorkshire Moors Association's magazine, Voice of the Moors, Mr Graham said that a five- year regeneration programme had prompted the funding from the Government, European Union, park authority and private businesses.

Nearly half the grant will go towards the improvement of moorland through heather burning.

Mr Graham said the burning had improved the heather for grouse and reduced the risk of summer fires, as well as controlling bracken.

At least 14,500 hectares of bracken have been cleared through spraying.

Five years ago, 55,000 sheep grazed on the moors, but this figure has been reduced by 2,000.

Mr Graham said: "There are concerns that a reduction in flocks will increase under-grazing still further with resulting tree regeneration."

Mr Graham said a major problem was the relatively low profitability of moor-grazing sheep compared to other Northern areas, because they are associated with poor soils, nutrition and tick-born disease.

Funding has been given to reduce the tick population.

The national park is working with farmers and landowners to maintain and enhance the moors.