Bat Conservation Trust has been awarded a £1.5m grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for the £3.6m ‘Connecting people and landscapes in a changing climate’ project which will help create a countryside where wildlife and communities can thrive together in the face of climate change.
Devon’s farmland is a vital home for rare nocturnal species such as greater horseshoe bats, hedgehogs and dormice – but decades of agricultural intensification have pushed these species to the brink. Working hand in hand with local farmers, the project supports regenerative farming practices that restore biodiversity, improve soil health and build resilience to a changing climate.
So far, in its development phase (also supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund), the initiative has worked with 97 farmers, improving over 580 hectares of farmland for nature. This includes planting native trees, creating species-rich grasslands and restoring traditional orchards – a total of 18 regenerative farming projects across Devon.
But it’s not just habitats that are being restored – it’s connections between people and place. Already the project has engaged more than 240 people through training, open days, farmer support and hands-on conservation activities.
With this second round of funding the project will now create even more opportunities for local communities, connect more farms with their natural heritage and help safeguard more vulnerable species.
Lisa Worledge, Director of Conservation, Bat Conservation Trust said: “This support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund 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.”
Steph Aburrow, Project Officer for the East Devon National Landscape, said: “This is a really important and exciting project for East Devon and beyond. By identifying a local farm within the National Landscape as a ‘Focus Farm’, we’ll be able to showcase how food production, nature recovery and community engagement can go hand in hand. It’s a fantastic opportunity for local people to learn more about sustainable land management and connect with the incredible natural heritage on their doorstep. Farmers will also benefit from dedicated support, training and funding, helping them to build resilience and thrive while caring for the landscapes we all depend on. If you’re a local farmer interested in finding out more, please get in touch with the East Devon National Landscape team.”
Charlotte Squire, Devon Communities Together Project Manager said: “Connecting local communities with farmers passionate about regenerative farming is such a privilege. We’re all learning how to adapt to climate change, and thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund this project creates opportunities for discussion, education and reflection about our natural heritage and native biodiversity.”
About the project
Connecting people and landscapes in a changing climate is an ambitious and evolving partnership project uniting a diverse and dynamic range of organisations. Led by Bat Conservation Trust, partners include Devon Wildlife Trust, South Devon and East Devon National Landscapes, and Devon Communities Together.
Set in the farmed landscapes of Devon but with relevance for farming and bats across the UK, this work aims to create a countryside where nature and people can thrive together in the face of climate change.
Using money raised by National Lottery players, The National Lottery Heritage Fund supports projects that connect people and communities with the UK’s heritage. Connecting People and Landscapes project is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we are working to bring together farmers and communities together to create a more resilient landscape in the face of changing climate.
The project has received support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and John Swire 1989 Charitable Trust for both development and delivery phase.
