THE landscape of the Yorkshire Dales and the quality of life of its residents have been boosted through the funding of 350 projects through the Dales Millennium Trust.

The four year £9m scheme, which has just been completed, was set up to explore funding for schemes which English Nature and the Environment Agency could not afford.

Iain Oag, director of the trust said: "With the help of the Dales National Park Authority and a £4m grant from the Millennium Commission, the trust was set up to distribute money to Dales' schemes which would affect the landscape and the everyday lives of its residents and visitors."

Mr Oag said the trust has helped groups to access funding, cut through red tape.

"We have enabled people to have a say in their own environment and utilised local contractors, including drystone wallers, forestry contractors, fencing contractors, architects and builders, boosting the local economy."

Among the schemes which have benefited are Marsett Barn, Semerwater, where a traditional field barn has been restored to provide a camping venue for disadvantaged children, and the Ingleton Gardens restoration, where £39,000 was provided to help the local community to carry out village improvements.

An outdoor classroom venture was created at Kettlwell School enabling children to become involved in art projects and generate ideas for carving on four oak benches.

In addition 200 trees were planted.

Mr Oag said "The future for the Trust is to deliver a programme of projects funded largely by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

"The trust will concentrate on projects which restore and renovate features."