Up to £2 million is being made available by the Government to help rural communities restore historical buildings.

The Historic Building Restoration Grant is being piloted in five National Parks; Dartmoor, Lake District, Northumberland, Peak District and Yorkshire Dales National Parks.

The fund will help owners of iconic historic farm buildings carry out restoration works by covering 80% of the work costs. This can include replacing the roof, weatherproofing the exterior, or other restoration works so that the building can be used again for farming purposes.

In addition, the grant is supported by an implementation plan so that applicants can work with National Park advisors on developing a management plan to deliver the restoration, working with conservation consultants as necessary. Work is 100% funded so applicants can seek the advice they need to develop high quality applications and secure funding for their projects.

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Lord Gardiner, Defra Minister for National Parks said: "The British countryside, including those historic farm buildings that dot some of our most iconic landscapes, is a truly precious natural asset. I am delighted that we are able to open this new set of grants supporting the restoration of traditional farm buildings.

"Land managers who apply for this scheme will not only be safeguarding our rural history and culture, but also regenerating traditional buildings for use today and for future generations."

Sir Laurie Magnus, Chairman of Historic England, added: "Historic England warmly welcomes this scheme and its endorsement of the value and importance of traditional farm buildings. Many farm buildings, in my view, are as important as churches in contributing to the beauty and the character of the English landscape.

"The partnership approach being piloted by Historic England, Natural England and upland National Parks will be of immense value in helping owners to maintain and conserve these buildings and to retain their significance for future generations."

The scheme is open for applications until 31 January 2019 and, once approved, agreement holders will have two years to complete the works.

(LM)