SOME of North Yorkshire's most spectacular countryside is in line for a facelift under plans to help restore ancient woodlands, crumbling ruined buildings and landscape features.

The work is due to be carried out over the next five years as part of the key aims of a new management plan for the Howardian Hills.

Projects will include restoring wetland habitat sites and ancient woodland sites, and reducing scrub invasion, as well as creating grazing areas and renovating scores of historic landmarks.

Paul Jackson is project officer for the Howardian Hills' Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), which covers 44 parishes and 79 square miles.

He said: "The area plays an important role in both local and regional landscape, and wildlife conservation, as well as in tourism and leisure.

"It is one of the most important areas of landscape in England and takes its place alongside some of the world's best-known landscapes, such the US national parks and the Amazon rainforest."

The plan has been drawn up with help from parish councils, North Yorkshire County Council, Ryedale and Hambleton district councils, Forestry Commission, Countryside Agency, NFU, Ramblers Association, Country Land and Business Association, and English Nature.

It also includes giving advice to landowners, farmers and the owners of old buildings, said Mr Jackson.

The catalogue of buildings that are seen to be at risk and in need of urgent attention includes the mill, gates and lodges at Howsham Hall, buildings at Moor House, Hovingham, Castle Howard, Low Gaterley, Stonegrave House, Caukleys Bank, Park House Farm, Hovingham, West Grange, Appleton-le-Street, Stearsby Hag, a Roman plantation at Cross Dyke, Gilling Castle, Newburgh Priory, and tumuli at Grimston Moor, Yearsley and Black Moor.