The Howardian Hills have had a lot to celebrate over the past four years - George Jabbour

Today is my last day as Chair of the Howardian Hills National Landscape Partnership. My journey began as Vice-Chair, shortly after my election as a North Yorkshire Councillor representing Helmsley and the surrounding villages. I worked closely with and learned from Sir William Worsley, who was leading the Partnership at the time. When he stepped down, I had the privilege of succeeding him.

After four happy years with this impactful organisation, I decided not to seek re-election as its chair at our meeting this morning.

However, as I leave this role that I have thoroughly enjoyed, I reflect with pride on the progress that we have made as a team in our core mission to conserve and enhance the natural beauty of the Howardian Hills. I also pledge to continue collaborating with the Partnership, not least because I have had a brilliant professional relationship with everyone there and particularly its effective and committed manager, Ellie Hook.

I am passionate about Britain’s splendid protected landscapes, which include National Landscapes - also known as Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty - and National Parks, because of the many advantages that they bring to local communities and the wider population. This is why I campaigned for a new Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to be designated in the Yorkshire Wolds.

In the Management Plan that we completed last year, Conserving and Enhancing the Howardian Hills National Landscape 2025-2030, I wrote: “We are witnessing the evolution of an exciting chapter in the story of our country’s protected landscapes. There is an increased national awareness of the role that we can play, not only to address some of the environmental, health, social and economic challenges we face, but also to seize new opportunities.”

For example, the Howardian Hills is a key partner in the Natural Health Service for North Yorkshire, the first protected landscape-led green social prescribing programme in the UK.

Another initiative that I was pleased to be involved with has been Dark Skies. We converted poor lights into more effective dark-sky-friendly ones, which are warmer and shine down with better illumination.

The Dark Sky Friendly Community status, which was awarded to a number of villages within the Howardian Hills during my tenure, bolsters the protection of nocturnal wildlife, improves the quality of life of residents and contributes to stargazing tourism.

As a member of the North York Moors National Park Authority, I am acutely aware that one of the purposes of National Parks is to promote opportunities for the public’s understanding and enjoyment of their special qualities. I firmly believe that National Landscapes too should focus on attracting more people to benefit from what they offer.

To this end, I have been seizing every possible avenue to make the case for our breathtaking area, beating the drum for our spectacular part of the world on the platforms I have had locally, regionally and nationally.

As a result, I was over the moon when the Good Food Guide named Helmsley and the Howardian Hills the ‘Most Exciting Food Destination’ for 2024.

To build on the legacy of this prestigious award, the first Helmsley and the Howardian Hills Restaurant Week was successfully delivered earlier this year, after months of planning. Over 30 businesses signed up, bringing countless visitors to our National Landscape to savour local dishes, while supporting food producers and farmers.

Similarly, we are playing a key part in ensuring that we make the most of the 2026 Tour of Britain, which will start in Helmsley on Saturday, September 5, 2026, and pass through several parishes within the Howardian Hills.

Having been heavily involved in the preparation for hosting a stage finish during the 2022 Tour of Britain, our community put in a lot of effort for this premier cycling race to come back as it boosts the profile of our stunning and welcoming landscape.

We are also delivering the Heart of Helmsley project using a £150,000 grant from the Mayoral Vibrant and Sustainable High Streets Fund of York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority.

I vividly recall the excitement that we all felt when our application was approved. Many people from the Howardian Hills and partner organisations had spent numerous hours devising a credible bid that met the stringent criteria of this competitive process.

As a thriving and renowned market town on the edge of the Howardian Hills, Helmsley is a major gateway to our landscape. The Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith, said: “By supporting Heart of Helmsley, we are helping to deliver a vibrant market town where all feel welcome; visitors, residents, young or old, and particularly those with additional accessibility needs.”

Heart of Helmsley will provide access improvements, particularly for multi-generational families and those with restricted mobility or other additional requirements.

From nature and health to community, tourism and accessibility, my tenure with the Howardian Hills has been both varied and fulfilling. I wish my successor the best of luck in this transformational and pivotal role.

Councillor George Jabbour is chair of the Howardian Hills Partnership.