Why REAL exists

The purpose of REAL is to raise awareness of the importance of the Uplands and in so doing draw attention to some of the problems that face those who live and work here. We hope that by showing the public the truly wonderful diversity of activities that take place in the Dales uplands and the food and drink that is produced here, we can make a difference. We would like to encourage people to buy from local producers when it’s possible, visit local attractions and take care of the environment they find here.

How does REAL exist?

REAL Food and Farming is a non-profit taking organisation made up of volunteers who give their time and funded by the generosity of sponsors. We have held a showcase event at Kilnsey Show for the last two years which has been very successful and we now need to carry on this event by making it sustainable and self-funding. We plan to do this by raising sponsorship where possible and making available stand space at a very reasonable rate within the REAL marquee.

Upland Britain and why it’s so important.

The uplands are nationally and internationally important for bio diversity as well as being of significant landscape, archaeological, recreational, heritage, and natural resource value. Agricultural activity has largely shaped the upland landscape that we value so much.

Some have argued that there is no need to worry about the decline of farming in the UK, that we should instead conserve the countryside for wildlife, leisure and tourism, essentially turning the UK into a theme park. But the rural landscape of the UK is very largely a farmed landscape, created by 5,000 years of agriculture. Hay meadows, pastures and other features of the farmed landscape which have their own special ecology would be lost if the land was no longer farmed.

The Uplands give huge benefits to the public. They provide access for recreation, enjoyment and spiritual refreshment, conservation of important habitats and wildlife, some of our finest landscapes, clean drinking water, and an ability to help control flooding.