A £2.5 million project to protect an historic river valley, which includes the famous Fountains Abbey, from the effects of climate change has been given the go-ahead. Work to revive 12 miles of the River Skell in North Yorkshire to reduce flooding will get under way after the scheme secured a £1.4 million grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The project, spearheaded by the National Trust and Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), includes planting trees and creating meadows and new ponds to slow the flow of water and stop soil run-off. Studley Royal Water Garden in the Skell Valley is at risk from flooding (National Trust/Chris Lacey/PA)