MORE than 160 acres of hay meadow has been restored and enhanced in an area of outstanding natural beauty in North Yorkshire. The restoration has provided essential habitat in the Nidderdale area, which covers areas from Masham and Ripon to Pateley Bridge and beyond. It now means more than 240 acres of hay meadow has been created in the area in the past three years. Further work is planned in the next two years with moves to introduce wildflowers to 120 acres of hay meadows, pastures, road verges and buffer strips at the edge of silage fields. For more information on the Nidderdale AONB hay meadow restoration project contact Kelly.harmar@harrogate.gov.uk or ring 01423-556035.