National Lottery Grants for Heritage – £250,000 to £5million
Devon’s farmland is a vital home for rare nocturnal species such as greater horseshoe bats, hedgehogs and dormice. However, decades of increasingly intensive farming mean many species are at risk of extinction. Led by The Bat Conservation Trust, this project will work with farmers to better protect our ecosystem, improve soil health and enhance biodiversity.
Working alongside key partners such as Devon Wildlife Trust and People’s Trust for Endangered Species, it will focus on creating and restoring farmland and priority habitats for nine threatened nocturnal species. This includes planting native trees, creating species-rich grasslands and restoring traditional orchards. The aim is to create a countryside where nature and people can thrive together in the face of the climate crisis.
Providing opportunities for farmers
The project will provide hands on training for 400 farmers and support 86 farms with one-to-one advice, helping them adopt sustainable practices.
Six focus farms will become demonstration sites across Devon to showcase best farming practices, support climate adaptation and build farmer networks.
Bringing communities and nature together
The project will empower local communities including young people and under-served groups to understand and value natural heritage. This includes 150 community events and heritage-based activities such as citizen science training, guided wildlife walks and conservation volunteering.
Lisa Worledge, Director of Conservation, The Bat Conservation Trust, says: “This support is enabling us to build a more resilient countryside – one where farming, people and wildlife can all flourish together. By supporting regenerative farming, we’re showing that tackling climate change and restoring nature can go hand in hand.”
Discover more projects that are conserving and enhancing habitats and connecting people to nature.
