Yorkshire Dales Millenium Trust

We’re a small charity doing big things in the Yorkshire Dales. We help to look after the spectacular Dales landscape. We support rural communities. We help everyone enjoy and understand this special place.

The brief

We worked with Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust to produce a film showcasing the broad impact they have across people, landscape, and wildlife in the Yorkshire Dales. The film aimed to shift perceptions beyond tree planting - highlighting diverse work including peatland restoration, meadow conservation, youth programmes, and community outreach for vulnerable groups. With an honest, down-to-earth Yorkshire tone emphasising ‘we get stuff done,’ the film inspired nature enthusiasts, potential supporters, and corporate partners to get involved. Featuring authentic testimonials from staff, apprentices, and beneficiaries against the stunning Dales landscape, the vibrant, movement-filled production demonstrated YDMT's practical, action-oriented approach and tangible community impact.

The process

The production took place in October 2024 across diverse Yorkshire Dales locations. The crew began at Fleet Moss near Buckden, filming apprentices participating in a peat conservation course, capturing hands-on conservation work, landscape shots, and interviews with participants like Lucas about YDMT's environmental impact. Production then shifted to Swinton Estate to film a residential programme with Apna Haq, a domestic abuse survivors group, requiring sensitive filming of activities including walks to a druid temple, crafts, sports, and communal meals. The production emphasised movement and authenticity, conducting interviews while participants engaged in activities rather than static setups. We filmed Yorkshire's stunning landscape as a backdrop while capturing genuine, unscripted moments that demonstrated YDMT's practical approach.

The Results

"Working with Saltways has been great from start to finish - the process was well considered & easy, starting with a thorough understanding of our organisation from our key stakeholders. Everyone from the team was professional, knowledgable & practical - it's always a relief to work with people who understand the charity sector and are aware of constraints like budget & time! Watching the final video was emotional, and we're excited to see the response we get when it's launched later this month! Thanks to everyone involved." -Lindsay Wallace

Working with Saltways has been great from start to finish - the process was well considered & easy, starting with a thorough understanding of our organisation from our key stakeholders. Everyone from the team was professional, knowledgable & practical - it's always a relief to work with people who understand the charity sector and are aware of constraints like budget & time! Watching the final video was emotional, and we're excited to see the response we get when it's launched later this month! Thanks to everyone involved.