Staff at the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority (YDNPA) are entertaining European counterparts this week.

A group of 16 protected-area officers from national parks and nature parks in Romania, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Ukraine and Serbia are staying at Beck Hall in Malham while they complete training in management planning, sustainable tourism and community outreach.

The study tour is organised by EUROPARC Consulting and during their stay, the visitors will meet YDNPA’s head of conservation and policy Gary Smith and head of park management Jon Avison.

They will also visit the Lake District National Park and the Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to learn about sustainable tourism, local produce and community outreach.

Mr Fenten said: “The officers have all completed their theoretical training and they are now here to see examples of best practice. The Yorkshire Dales National Park is one of the most efficiently run and is therefore a good example for them.”