David Butterworth will leave the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority at the end of March next year.

The longest-serving chief executive at an English national park authority has announced his retirement.  He has served more than 34 years with the organisation, and over 25 years as its chief executive,

Sixty one year old David, who is originally from Barnsley in South Yorkshire, joined the authority in 1992 and was appointed chief executive in 2000.
Since then, he has overseen a period of significant change and growth, including the extension of the park boundary in 2016, the designation of the national park as an International Dark Sky Reserve and the development of ambitious plans to support nature recovery and sustainable farming.

Reflecting on his time in the role, David said: “It has been an extraordinary privilege to lead this fantastic national park for more than 25 years.
“I’ve loved every aspect of it – the stunning landscape, the resilience and spirit of our local communities, and the people I’ve had the pleasure to work with, particularly local farmers and landowners who are at the heart of the Dales.

“This is a special place and calling it home for over 34 years while raising my children here has been a joy.”

On his proudest achievements, the park leader said the expansion of the park was top of the list, while he also spoke of his pride at helping to deliver the Tour de France Grands Départ and Tour de Yorkshire to the Dales.

The chief executive said one of the biggest challenges for the Yorkshire Dales, and the country as a whole, going forward was the deterioration of nature. We view it as nice to have rather than fundamental to the survival of the species,” he added.

David acknowledged that, like many, he has faced personal and family challenges along the way.  But he added: “Those experiences have only deepened my appreciation for the strength and kindness of the communities here. The support and friendship I’ve encountered throughout my career have meant a great deal.”

David said he was confident the park had a bright future.  “The Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority is in great hands.  We have an outstanding team and strong partnerships that will continue to deliver for nature, for communities, and for visitors.  It will be interesting to see the next chapter unfold, and I’ll always be cheering from the sidelines.”

Work has started at the park authority to find a new chief executive with the recruitment process due to be discussed at a full authority meeting this week.