People who live in or have a connection to the Hambleton and Howardian Hills are being asked to look through old photo albums, letters and family mementos to help plug a knowledge gap about rural life and the culture and traditions of this area.

The finds will be used by the Lime and Ice Project, awarded just under £500,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), to raise awareness among local communities and further afield about the heritage of the area and people’s impact on its dramatic landscape.

A special drop-in session has been arranged for Tuesday 16 February at the World of James Herriot museum in Thirsk between 11am to 4pm and from 6pm to 8pm for people to bring their finds. These will be scanned or photographed that day and, with the owner’s permission, used throughout the Lime and Ice Project in displays and interpretation including an exhibition to be held at the World of James Herriot in the autumn.

Jennifer Smith, Lime and Ice Project Officer, said: “We have a good understanding of the natural forces such as glaciation that have shaped the land in this area but have only limited knowledge of the more subtle changes brought about by changes in agriculture and farming. We would be grateful if people could have a rummage in their lofts and cupboards for any photos, postcards, newspapers, letters or anything else that would give us some information about changes to the landscape and villages as well as anything depicting cultural events such as festivals.”

Anyone unable to make the drop-in session can bring their mementos to the North York Moors National Park Authority’s head office in Helmsley. Please call Jennifer Smith or Nick Lishman on 01439 770657 to arrange a convenient time.