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Tim and Tracey Davison-Frank said, should the current campaign succeed, they were looking forward to enjoying Long Lands Common with their first grandchild who will be born later this year.

At a time nature was providing solace and escape from the challenges of Covid19, it was great to be part of a long-term community project, they added.

Tracey said “I have lived in Harrogate most of my life and love that we have so much amazing green space around us. The world is a changing place though and Tim and I want to do something positive to ensure that those spaces remain untouched and are safe havens for wildlife.

“We can’t wait to show our grandchild from a young age why our local ecosystems are important, and demonstrate the beautiful healing powers Mother Nature has to offer.

"Buying our shares in Long Lands Common will be a symbol to our grandson or granddaughter that there is more to life than material things.

“At a time when our community is pulling together and nature is providing solace and escape from the challenges of Covid19, it is great to be part of a long-term community project. As individuals we can't change the world but together we can make a difference that can be felt now and in the future.”

Grandparent Gillian Wass says she is buying community shares in Long Lands Common to support the community she loves and because she is passionate about connecting her grandchildren with nature.

Gillian said: “I am pledging to buy community shares in the Long Lands Common project to help support the local community.

"I have lived here for over 25 years and love the walks and Nidd Gorge. It helps you relax and is good for your well being. I use the cycle track regularly and walk for daily exercise.

“When my grandchildren visit me we all go out together and have great family times.

"It is important to teach them about nature from an early age to help them develop and become a caring person and appreciate the world around them.”

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If Nidd Gorge Community Action, the residents’ group which has set up a Community Benefits Society to purchase 30 acres of farmland between Knaresborough and Harrogate, is successful in its efforts to raise £300,000 by November with the selling of community shares, Long Lands Common will contribute to the new Northern Forest project to plant 50 million trees across the North of England

The initial response to the project has been very encouraging and in order to make Long Lands Common a reality for the people of Harrogate and Knaresborough, including the next generation, residents are asked to register their interest in becoming shareholders, which includes planting trees, at www.longlandscommon.org

No money is being taken at this time and those residents who do not use the internet can ask a friend or relative to register on their behalf.

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