THE Howardian Hills, one of the prettiest areas in North Yorkshire, has been enhanced as a result of extensive landscape and conservation work carried out in the past year through its prestigious Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) status.

Project manager, Paul Jackson, says in its annual report that more than 700 metres of hedgerow has been planted and 328 metres of stone walls restored in the area which covers some 79 square miles, from Helmsley in the north to Howsham in the south, and east to west from the outskirts of Malton to Husthwaite.

Mr Jackson says funding for the project's annual budget of £337,546 comes from Defra, North Yorkshire County Council, Ryedale and Hambleton District Councils, the EU LEADER fund, and the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The work carried out in the past year has also included renovating the historic City of Troy turf maze at Dalby, building an outdoor classroom at Crayke School, installing composting toilets at Howsham Mill to facilitate educational visits, and building two wooden bus shelters at Huttons Ambo.

Teams of volunteers have carried path maintenance in the AONB and a green traveller guide to th Howardian Hills was also created on the internet.

One of the big success stories has been conservation grazing on five key sites by Exmoor ponies, said Mr Jackson.

Some 45 roadside verges have been designated as "special interest" because of their wildlife and fauna and flora.