WHARFEDALE anglers are to benefit from £400,000 environmental improvements in Upper Wharfedale.

The pioneering partnership led by the Environment Agency aims to improve the management of land and water in the uplands.

The three year scheme, which has just been boosted by a £200,000 grant from the European Commission, also involves the National Trust, English Nature, Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, local farmers and parish representatives.

It will tackle a number of issues affecting uplands, such as the effects of moorland drainage, riverbank erosion, overgrazing, pollution caused by sheep dip and the decline of agriculture.

And the project will carry out work to benefit flora and fauna including the blocking of drainage channels to retain more water on the moor and the strengthening of river banks to manage erosion and improve wildlife habitat.

Liz Chalk, the environment agency's project manager, said they were delighted that the project had been recognised by the European Commission.

"In a changing world, this is an exciting chance for everyone with an interest in the Dale to play a part in looking after their environment and for others to apply similar measures elsewhere and become more environmentally aware."

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