Projects of Landscape Recovery scheme announced

Projects of Landscape Recovery scheme announced - Defra, Natural England and Environment Agency

22 projects receiving funding through the new scheme

Hundreds of farmers and landowners will be supported to delivery projects that restore nature, reduce flood risks and boost biodiversity, as Environment Secretary George Eustice announces the successful bids for the Landscape Recovery scheme.

head of shoulders of wet otter standing on a stream bank, feet hdden by luch green grass, whiskers are particularly obvious — Otters are one of 263 species to be helped by river restoriation projects.

Farmers working to recover coastal farmland in Norfolk, restore meadows and streams in the Cotswolds and create a wildlife rich nature corridor in the River Holme catchment are just three of the 22 ambitious projects receiving funding through the new scheme, implementing the Government’s post-Brexit Agricultural Transition plans.

In February, farmers and land managers were invited to apply for funding, and following a competitive application process, Environment Secretary George Eustice today (Friday 2 September) confirmed the 22 selected projects.

All of the successful initiatives have demonstrated that they have pioneering ideas that will improve the rural landscape and reverse the decline in nature.

Collectively, the successful projects aim to restore nearly 700km of rivers and protect and enhance 263 species such as water vole, otter, pine marten, lapwing, great crested newt, European eel and marsh fritillary.

As well as receiving Government funding, the selected projects will also receive hands on support from Natural England and the Environment Agency.