Project Title: Aire Resilience Company

Programme: Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme

Project Lead: Leeds City Council

Partners: Environment Agency, Leeds City Council, The Rivers Trust, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, Aire Rivers Trust, Y&H Regional Flood & Coastal Committee. We also have involvement of the private sector with an increasing number and range of companies joining the ARC business consortium.

Funders: To establish and create the Aire Resilience Company we received funding from the Yorkshire & Humber Regional Flood & Coastal Committee, the Environment Agency and from a charitable contribution from Beyondly, an environmental consultancy based in the Aire catchment. ARC's central purpose to roll out and maintain natural flood management in the upper Aire catchment for which we are receiving subscriptions mostly from the private sector. They are 'buying' climate resilience, primarily reduced flood risk.

Nature of funding: Public sector (e.g. Defra), Private sector (commercial / corporate), Blended funding

Habitats: Rivers and streams, Broadleaved, Mixed and Yew Woodland (inc. orchards, wood pasture, lowland and upland woods) , Hedgerows

Dates: 2026 - 2069

Area: 1304 Ha - but this is working across the upper Aire catchment with an area greater than 356 square kilometres.

Goals and Objectives: The Aire Resilience Company (ARC) is a community interest company whose remit is the delivery and maintenance of natural flood management (NFM) in the upper Aire Catchment. NFM is an integral element of the Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme. Slowing the flow and holding water in the upper catchment is the first line of flood defence for Leeds. ARC is a broker whereby the private sector 'buy's climate resilience thereby providing a climate resilient city and regional economy in which they operate. The premise being that you do not have to flood to be affected by flooding. Revenues raised then flow to farmer/landowners and land managers to host and maintain the NFM interventions for the long term in six identified priority sub catchments of the upper Aire. This provides a long-term sustainable revenue source which benefits rural, urban and private sector stakeholders.

Actions: Over five years ARC will deliver 1240 hectares of soil health interventions plus 64 hectares of further landscape interventions such as hedgerows, bunded hedgerows, tree planting etc.

Action List: Land / water management, Habitat / natural process restoration, Education / Training / Community Awareness, Regenerative practices (Agriculture / soils)*

Ecosystem Services: Flood and Drought, Soil Health

Baseline Monitoring: Yes

Accredited methods: Yes

Who is monitoring: Consultants, Researchers / Academics, Other

Data available: Not known

High level summary: The Aire Resilience Company (ARC) is an independent Community Interest Company (CIC) facilitating the delivery of long-term, evidence-based natural flood management interventions (NFM) in the mid and upper Aire Valley. These NFM measures will complement and enhance the protection afforded by the Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme (LFAS). This approach will create long-term resilience against the impact of climate change and ensure the future protection of Leeds and its surrounding areas for decades to come. ARC is built on a consortium of local businesses and institutions all playing a leading role in increasing resilience and reducing the risk of the River Aire flooding in Leeds. As members of the ARC consortium, businesses benefit from enhanced flood risk reduction along with a range of additional benefits derived from using methods that work with nature to manage the impact of heavy rainfall.

Outputs: None at present

Project Contact: keith.davie@environment-agency.gov.uk

Link / URL: https://aireresilience.org/

Project Title: Big Chalk

Programme:

Project Lead: National Landscapes Association

Partners: The partnership currently consists of >150 partners (including 14 National Landscapes, the South Downs and 9 National Trails). 26 are currently on the Board: Bath & North East Somerset Council Butterfly Conservation Chilterns National Landscape Cotswolds National Landscape Cranbourne Chase National Landscape Dorset National Landscape Earth Trust Environment Agency Farming & Wildlife Advisory Group Isle of Wight National Landscape Kent County Council Kent Downs National Landscape Mendip Hills National Landscape National Farmers Union National Landscapes Association National Trails UK National Trust Natural England North Wessex Downs National Landscape Pasture for Life Plantlife RSPB Soil Association South Downs National Park Surrey Hills National Landscape Wiltshire Wildlife Trust

Funders: Defra (via the Protected Landscapes Partnership) funds Big Chalk directly. The partners have a wide variety of funders.

Nature of funding: Public sector (e.g. Defra), Private sector (commercial / corporate), Private sector (individual / estate), Agri-payments (CS / SFI), BNG, Blended funding

Habitats: Rivers and streams, Standing open water and canals, Broadleaved, Mixed and Yew Woodland (inc. orchards, wood pasture, lowland and upland woods), Coniferous woodland, Calcareous grassland, Neutral grassland, Dense scrub, Improved grassland (e.g. coastal and floodplain grazing marsh), Cropland (arable and horticulture / orchards), Urban (e.g. built and gardens, linear infrastructure), Hedgerows, Fen, marsh and swamp, Supralittoral rock (maritime cliff and slope)

Dates: 2021 - NA

Area: 2590000

Goals and Objectives: Our vision is to create nature-rich chalk and limestone landscapes that benefit all of us. Our mission is to collectively secure the future of nature in southern England's iconic chalk and limestone landscapes, by: - championing the global importance of their unique nature, - uniting nature recovery expertise to restore habitats and species, and - working with speed, scale and focus. By growing the size and reach of our partnership, we can increase the scale and pace of nature recovery activity across the Big Chalk geography (20% of England). This will help deliver national ambition and targets for nature while building ecological resilience to climate change, through significant improvements to: - the area, quality and connectivity of species-rich grasslands, woodland and farmland habitats, - the quality and function of England's chalk streams and rivers, and - the abundance and range of priority species. Wherever possible, we will seek and promote solutions which also deliver public goods, including protecting historic and cultural heritage, water management, soil health and carbon sequestration, natural beauty and health and wellbeing.

Actions: Big Chalk is a large area with lots of partners and so there are a wide range of actions being undertaken. A selection can be found at https://www.big-chalk.org/projects. Big Chalk also has a Nature Recovery Fund that can fund capital projects directly.

Action List: Land / water habitat protection (e.g. creating a reserve), Land / water management, Habitat / natural process restoration, Species-specific Management, Invasive/problematic species control (e.g. Rhododendron control), Habitat restoration and rehabilitation, Natural process mimicry (controls to simulate processes), Habitat creation (new features e.g. new woodlands, ponds etc), Habitat linking (joining isolated habitats), Habitat buffering (buffer zones from external threats), Incentive programmes / Conservation payments, Advisory Services, Education / Training / Community Awareness, Regenerative practices (Agriculture / soils)*

Ecosystem Services: Not known

Baseline Monitoring: Not known

Accredited methods: Not known

Who is monitoring: Not known

Data available: Not known

High level summary: Growing from an initial partnership of Protected Landscapes, the Big Chalk Partnership comprises more than 150 organisations with a common vision of creating thriving chalk and limestone landscapes across southern England. At its heart are 14 National Landscapes, the South Downs National Park and nine National Trails, including the iconic Ridgeway. Big Chalk performs a vital role in nature's recovery, connecting national targets and plans with participatory modes of delivery, including regional and local partnerships and farm clusters. Importantly, it helps ensure delivery is effective and makes the best use of the resources available. Big Chalk has been supported through several development phases, firstly by Natural England and then, since 2023, by the Protected Landscapes Partnership, supported by Defra. The National Landscapes Association hosts the programme lead.

Outputs: NA

Project Contact: david.hoccom@national-landscapes.org.uk

Link / URL: https://www.big-chalk.org/

Project Title: Cumbria Connect

Programme:

Project Lead: RSPB

Partners: Lowther Estate, United Utilities, Natural England

Funders: Endangered Landscapes and Seascape Fund

Nature of funding: Private sector (commercial / corporate), Private sector (individual / estate)

Habitats: Rivers and streams, Broadleaved, Mixed and Yew Woodland (inc. orchards, wood pasture, lowland and upland woods), Acid grassland, Hedgerows, Fen, marsh and swamp, Bogs, Montane habitat

Dates: 2023 - 2028

Area: 35000

Goals and Objectives: Our mission is rooted in the principles renowned ecologist, Sir John Lawton, outlined in his seminal report 'Making Space for Nature', which highlighted the need for a more connected and resilient natural environment. At Cumbria Connect, we believe that by linking fragmented habitats and creating stepping stones for wildlife, we can restore the health and vitality of our ecosystems in a way that truly has an impact. With generous funding of £4.1 million from the Endangered Landscapes & Seascapes Programme, we're embracing nature-friendly farming practices and working together to make bigger, better and more connected habitats and creating a wilder future for wildlife and people. From reintroducing endangered species like water voles to restoring precious peatlands, we're tackling habitat loss head-on, with plenty of opportunities to get involved. Healthy ecosystems provide cleaner air and water, improved flood control, better soil health and a boost to biodiversity. It's a win-win for both nature and people.

Actions: Restoring natural processes - restoring hydrology, native woodland expansion, peatland restoration, species reintroduction - community engagement, building trust and sharing power

Action List: Land / water habitat protection (e.g. creating a reserve), Land / water management, Habitat / natural process restoration, Species-specific Management, Habitat restoration and rehabilitation, Natural process mimicry (controls to simulate processes), Habitat creation (new features e.g. new woodlands, ponds etc), Habitat linking (joining isolated habitats), Habitat buffering (buffer zones from external threats), Education / Training / Community Awareness, Regenerative practices (Agriculture / soils)*

Ecosystem Services: Carbon / Net Zero / GHG, Biodiversity, Health and Wellbeing, Cultural

Baseline Monitoring: Yes

Accredited methods: Yes

Who is monitoring: Project team, Volunteers, Researchers / Academics

Data available: No

High level summary: Collaborative restoration of natural process and increased connectivity at scale

Outputs: None to date

Project Contact: martin.varley@rspb.org.uk

Link / URL:

Project Title: East Kent Downs Landscape Recovery Project

Programme: n/a

Project Lead: Natural England

Partners: 120 farmers /landowners (all private farms of varying sizes from 3ha to 2000 plus ha ) and of mixed enterprises : livestock/arable

Funders: The majority of the work is carried out through funding through agri environment schemes. A small part of the work (2 farms) is funded through BNG and a small amount of funding is from Affinity Water

Nature of funding: Public sector (e.g. Defra), Private sector (commercial / corporate), Agri-payments (CS / SFI), BNG

Habitats: Rivers and streams, Broadleaved, Mixed and Yew Woodland (inc. orchards, wood pasture, lowland and upland woods) , Acid grassland, Calcareous grassland, Neutral grassland, Dense scrub, Improved grassland (e.g. coastal and floodplain grazing marsh), Cropland (arable and horticulture / orchards), Hedgerows

Dates: 1995 - 2040

Area: 2000ha (note this is solely the area of land directly under species rich grassland creation - this is the only measurement we use to define the area of 'high value' interventions for nature recovery (i.e we don't include existing /relic species rich grassland nor do we include other areas of farms and holdings that are being managed for nature conservation)

Goals and Objectives: The East Kent Downs Landscape Recovery Project is a Natural England led initiative and the culmination of over 25 years of working with farmers on habitat creation and nature recovery projects in the farmed landscapes of east kent. Using agri environment schemes as the main tool and building long term relationships with over 120 farms, the project has pioneered a novel approach to the way that the schemes are delivered. The project's key ambition has been to work, farm by farm, creating species-rich grasslands from arable land and grass-dominated pastures. Wildflower diversity is achieved through a combination of natural regeneration, native provenance wildflower seeding and green hay spreading with the overall ambition of achieving a new generation of floristically and structurally diverse grasslands. Restoring insect and seed-rich landscapes in this way delivers a sustainable long term and resilient resource of grasslands that drives species recovery across a broad range of taxa, in addition to all the attendant benefits to soil health, water quality and carbon capture. ​An annual rolling programme of new wildflower grassland creation is undertaken each year to ensure that there is a continual succession of new grasslands being created which helps to continually expand the network year by year. Supplementing this with a wider patchwork of the nature friendly farming measures such as grassy margins, bee and bird food plots, regenerative farming practices, and woodland management ensures that nature and food production can go hand in hand. The project is organised into three 'farmer groups' each comprising 30 or more farms who come together to share knowledge, learn and celebrate their successes. Critical to the central 'wildflower-grassland' focus of the project is a close 1-1 working relationship between each farm and a Natural England adviser so that, together, the combined commitment of each farm is able to deliver a well connected network of 'high nature value' habitats across the landscape of the East Kent Downs.

Actions: Using agri environment schemes as the main tool and building long term relationships with over 120 farms, the project has pioneered a novel approach to the way that the schemes are delivered. The project's key ambition has been to work, farm by farm, creating species-rich grasslands from arable land and grass-dominated pastures. Wildflower diversity is achieved through a combination of natural regeneration, native provenance wildflower seeding and green hay spreading with the overall ambition of achieving a new generation of floristically and structurally diverse grasslands. Restoring insect and seed-rich landscapes in this way delivers a sustainable long term and resilient resource of grasslands that drives species recovery across a broad range of taxa, in addition to all the attendant benefits to soil health, water quality and carbon capture. ​An annual rolling programme of new wildflower grassland creation is undertaken each year to ensure that there is a continual succession of new grasslands being created which helps to continually expand the network year by year. Supplementing this with a wider patchwork of the nature friendly farming measures such as grassy margins, bee and bird food plots, regenerative farming practices, and woodland management ensures that nature and food production can go hand in hand.

Action List: Land / water habitat protection (e.g. creating a reserve), Land / water management, Habitat / natural process restoration, Species-specific Management, Habitat restoration and rehabilitation, Natural process mimicry (controls to simulate processes), Habitat creation (new features e.g. new woodlands, ponds etc), Habitat linking (joining isolated habitats), Habitat buffering (buffer zones from external threats), Incentive programmes / Conservation payments, Advisory Services, Education / Training / Community Awareness, Regenerative practices (Agriculture / soils)*

Ecosystem Services: Carbon / Net Zero / GHG, Biodiversity

Baseline Monitoring: Yes

Accredited methods: Yes

Who is monitoring: Project team, Landowner / tenants, Volunteers, Researchers / Academics

Data available: No

High level summary: The East Kent Downs Landscape Recovery Project, running since 1995, demonstrates how a long term focus on creating a new generation of species rich grasslands (2000ha currently created), year by year, is able to drive nature recovery across a wide range of taxa across 120 farms. Critical ingredients include close 1 to1 working with each farm, an opportunity driven approach to allow the network of new grasslands to evolve organically (i.e not based on target areas or driven by 'lines on maps') and building long term relationships with the farming community. Successes include population and distribution increases (new colonisations) in many generalist and specialist butterfly, moth, bumblebee, bat, bird and mammal species (e.g duke of burgundy, small blue, dingy skipper, bright wave moth, brown banded carder bee, large scabious mining bee, yellowhammer, linnet, barn owl, corn bunting, serotine bat, brown hare)

Outputs: Summary report published in Conservation Land Management journal : https://www.eastkentdownsfarmers.co.uk/_files/ugd/051a3b_f99f1c431b244e67aab4097b6b36a644.pdf Map of created wildflower grasslands (2000ha) https://www.eastkentdownsfarmers.co.uk/_files/ugd/051a3b_9751c3a94a764b35813a16bcbafe80b3.pdf

Project Contact: daniel.j.tuson@naturalengland.org.uk

Link / URL: https://www.eastkentdownsfarmers.co.uk/

Project Title: Farmers, Landowners, Northern Brown Argus and Species-rich Grasslands

Programme: Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal - Natural Capital Programme

Project Lead: Butterfly Conservation

Partners: Scottish Borders Council

Funders: Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal

Nature of funding: Public sector (e.g. Defra)

Habitats: Acid grassland, Calcareous grassland, Neutral grassland

Dates: 2025 - 2030

Area: 500

Goals and Objectives: Our aim is to develop a more sustainable approach to hill farming in south Scotland, that benefits both biodiversity and the rural economy. Butterfly Conservation will work closely with farmers and other landowners to restore at least 400 hectares of degraded grassland back into thriving, species-rich habitat. The Northern Brown Argus butterfly is our flagship species, due to its reliance on low intensity, seasonal grazing by cattle. Grassland will be restored through a variety of management trials and case studies, which will help to inform future grassland projects and agricultural policy.

Actions: Species-rich grassland restoration, management and new meadow creation.

Action List: Habitat / natural process restoration, Species-specific Management, Habitat creation (new features e.g. new woodlands, ponds etc)

Ecosystem Services: Biodiversity, Soil Health, Improved farm economics, Cultural

Baseline Monitoring: Yes

Accredited methods: Yes

Who is monitoring: Project team, Consultants

Data available: No

High level summary: Our aim is to develop a more sustainable approach to hill farming in south Scotland, that benefits both biodiversity and the rural economy.

Outputs: Results of our management trials will be published as case studies in 2030. Trials include gorse removal, bracken control, conservation grazing and meadow creation.

Project Contact: abourne@butterfly-conservation.org

Link / URL: https://butterfly-conservation.org/borderlands

Project Title: Humberhead Levels NIA

Programme: Nature Improvement Area

Project Lead: Yorkshire Wildlife Trust

Partners: Humberhead Levels Partnership. Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, Natural England, Doncaster Metropolitan Borough Council

Funders: Defra

Nature of funding: Public sector (e.g. Defra)

Habitats: Cropland (arable and horticulture / orchards), Fen, marsh and swamp, Bogs

Dates: 2012 - 2015

Area: 49700

Goals and Objectives: To create an internationally renowned, unique wetland landscape, supporting thriving communities, economy, ecosystem services and wildlife within the Humberhead Levels National Character Area. The project will progress towards reinstatement of England's largest lowland mire system on the Humberhead Peatlands NNR. Create or restore at least 1427Ha of wetland habitat on Thorne, Crowle and Hatfield Moors.

Actions: Community capacity development. Visits, environmental education, targeted volunteer development, green economy - through biomass reeded and woodfuel.

Action List: Habitat restoration and rehabilitation, Habitat creation (new features e.g. new woodlands, ponds etc), Education / Training / Community Awareness

Ecosystem Services: Carbon / Net Zero / GHG, Biodiversity, Flood and Drought

Baseline Monitoring: Yes

Accredited methods: Yes

Who is monitoring: Volunteers

Data available: No

High level summary: Project has created a network of wetlands in a predominantly agricultural landscape, whilst supporting thriving communities and wildlife. A key aim is to work with local businesses, landowners, communities and other organisations to achieve sustainable land management practices.

Outputs: Article: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10531-020-01938-2?utm_source=researchgate.net&utm_medium=article

Project Contact: cth@geodata.soton.ac.uk

Link / URL: https://www.ywt.org.uk/wildlife/conservation-action/south-yorkshire/humberhead-levels

Project Title: LIFE WADER

Programme: Liz Humphreys

Project Lead: Natural England

Partners: Natural England Environment Agency Tweed Forum Newcastle University

Funders: EU LIFE Programme Natural England Environment Agency Tweed Forum Newcastle University

Nature of funding: Public sector (e.g. Defra)

Habitats: Rivers and streams, Broadleaved, Mixed and Yew Woodland (inc. orchards, wood pasture, lowland and upland woods) , Cropland (arable and horticulture / orchards), Supralittoral sediment (e.g. sand dunes, vegetated shingle), Littoral sediments (e.g. saltmarsh, mudflats), Sublittoral / marine sediments (e.g. Subtidal Muds, Sands and Gravels - e.g. subtidal seagrass beds)

Dates: 2021 - 2027

Area: 70,242

Goals and Objectives: LIFE WADER is a five-year project to improve the condition of the river, intertidal and marine habitats of the Northumberland Coast and Tweed catchment for the species that depend on them. Spanning 70,242ha from the SE Scottish border along the Northumbrian coast, including the Tweed catchment, the project area includes four Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and two Special Protection Areas (SPAs). By tackling issues affecting site condition targeting 10 Annex I habitats, 3 Annex II species & associated SPA bird interests, LIFE WADER aims to ensure these become sites more resilient to climate change. This partnership project takes a 'source to sea' approach to improve > 49,000 hectares of habitat by: 1. Reversing the decline of freshwater/coastal/marine habitats & species 2. Demonstrating best practice to businesses, policy makers and land managers 3. Increasing awareness of the importance and vulnerability of the SAC/SPA sites

Actions: Objective 1: Reverse the decline of freshwater/coastal/marine habitats & species Actions: • Delivering river restoration on the River Till / Breamish. • Creating reed beds and demonstration projects to address pollution from agriculture and other sources, reducing the level of nutrients entering the marine environment. • Planting trees and installing fencing along river corridors to improve the riparian zone and reduce risk of diffuse pollution. • Sympathetically removing opportunistic (macro)algae (which is smothering intertidal habitats) and identifying different ways the removed material can be used. • Reducing disturbance of birds, mammals, and sensitive habitats by assessing how many visitors an individual site can tolerate; and identifying pressure points and enhancing visitor management through an increase in the use of seasonal wardens, interpretation, revised bylaws and the creation of wildlife refuges. • Improving the control of INNS through better surveillance, new surveying techniques, improved detection and subsequent removal across freshwater, marine and dune land habitats, using non-chemical controls. • Enhanced cross-border working with regulators on water quality & IAS. Objective 2: Demonstrate best practice to businesses, policy makers and land managers Actions: • Developing freshwater/marine eDNA and ecosystem monitoring systems to better target restoration interventions and involve greater use of citizen science. • Increase knowledge/skills at local/ national/transnational levels including replicating work at 20 sites. Objective 3: Increase awareness of the importance and vulnerability of the SAC/SPA sites Actions: • Highlighting designated features, such as the bird assemblages' inter-dependence on the wider coastal ecosystem, reaching up to 500,000 people per year. • Inspiring the need for more sustainable management and care from a wide range of users, volunteers, stakeholders, businesses, regulators, visitors and communities.

Action List: Land / water management, Habitat / natural process restoration, Habitat restoration and rehabilitation, Invasive/problematic species control (e.g. Rhododendron control), Habitat creation (new features e.g. new woodlands, ponds etc), Education / Training / Community Awareness, Regenerative practices (Agriculture / soils)*

Ecosystem Services: Biodiversity, Soil Health, Water Quality, Recreation and tourism

Baseline Monitoring: Yes

Accredited methods: Yes

Who is monitoring: Project team, Researchers / Academics

Data available: Not known

High level summary: LIFE WADER is a five-year project aimed at improving the condition of the river, intertidal and marine habitats of the Northumberland coast and Tweed catchment for the species that depend on them. LIFE WADER has taken a catchment to coast approach to nature recovery looking at the bigger picture through a landscape-scale lens. Spanning 70,242ha from the SE Scottish border along the Northumbrian coast, including the Tweed catchment, and the Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve. LIFE WADER set out to tackle four major issues prevalent in the area: declining water quality, excessive algal growth, increasing spread of invasive species and growing recreational pressure on wildlife habitats. Through the trial of innovative solutions and demonstration of established practice these trends have begun to be reversed allowing nature to recover and become more resilient in the face of a changing climate. Alongside practical nature recovery solutions the project also set out to raise levels of awareness about the importance and interconnectivity of this special area. LIFE WADER has shown that small scale improvements achieved at the local level, when scaled up to catchment scale can bring enormous benefits to habitats, wildlife and people, delivering financial gains, improving and protecting ecosystems and enhancing visitor experiences.

Outputs: Marine Invasives protocol: Molecular monitoring of biofouling communities using settlement panels and diagnostic assays https:// dx.doi.org/10.17504/protocols.io.36wgqpm8kvk5/v1 The Tweed Catchment Biosecurity Plan: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/5f02734c56634a38a7f46422c2f9cb2c TweedWATCH Education Pack - Destination Tweed : Destination Tweed https://destinationtweed.org/tweedwatch-education-pack/ Short film Restoring Budle Bay in Northumberland: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgTmobee-BU River Restoration Film: https://tweedforum.org/our-work/projects/harehope-restoration-project/ .....much more to come

Project Contact: liz.humphreys@naturalengland.org.uk

Link / URL: https://lifewader.co.uk/

Project Title: Living Levels Landscape Partnership

Programme: Our Living Levels

Project Lead: RSPB Cyrmu

Partners: Natural Resources Wales, Gwent Wildlife Trust, Cadw, Monmouthshire County Council, Newport City Council, Cardiff City Council, Friends of the Gwent Levels, South East Wales Biodiversity Records Centre.

Funders: Natural Lottery Heritage Fund (primary funder) Welsh Government Private and corporate donations Others

Nature of funding: Public sector (e.g. Defra), Private sector (commercial / corporate), Private sector (individual / estate), Other / Not known

Habitats: Standing open water and canals, Neutral grassland, Improved grassland (e.g. coastal and floodplain grazing marsh), Fen, marsh and swamp, Littoral sediments (e.g. saltmarsh, mudflats)

Dates: 2027 - 2032

Area: 22500

Goals and Objectives: Our Living Levels aims to ensure that the Gwent Levels is widely recognised and celebrated as a special place within Wales, for its abundant wildlife, intricate hand-crafted landscape, and deep, rich history. We see it as a thriving part of Wales' natural and cultural heritage, with a powerful sense of place that enriches people's lives, and a resilient, working landscape, highly valued by residents and visitors alike.

Actions: Principle activities include: • Restoring reens and ditches, identifying and managing areas of unimproved grassland and creating new species-rich grasslands, and restoring and managing traditional orchards. • Creating a farmer-led "Moors Association" to provide support, training and advice. • Delivering a wide range of volunteering and training opportunities, such as species and habitat ID, wildlife recording, footpath maintenance, and community archaeology. • Exploring the landscape through a yearly programme of guided walks. • Helping individuals with poor mental or physical health access the benefits of connecting with nature. • Working with universities to promote academic research on the Levels, such as investigating the carbon-storage capacity if the landscape, and providing paid placements for two students per year to gain valuable work experience. • Delivering a Nature Recovery Action Plan and developing a detailed mapping project that builds on initial work carried out with NRW on Resilient Ecological Networks. • Providing an education service at Newport Wetlands and Magor Marsh, along with an outreach service for local schools and colleges. • Working with National Museum Wales to create an interactive touring exhibition of the Levels.

Action List: Land / water management, Species-specific Management, Invasive/problematic species control (e.g. Rhododendron control), Habitat restoration and rehabilitation, Habitat linking (joining isolated habitats), Habitat buffering (buffer zones from external threats), Incentive programmes / Conservation payments, Advisory Services, Education / Training / Community Awareness, Regenerative practices (Agriculture / soils)*

Ecosystem Services: Carbon / Net Zero / GHG, Biodiversity, Water Quality, Flood and Drought, Soil Health, Improved farm economics, Health and Wellbeing, Cultural, Recreation and tourism

Baseline Monitoring: Yes

Accredited methods: Not known

Who is monitoring: Project team, Volunteers, Consultants, Researchers / Academics

Data available: Not known

High level summary: Through Our Living Levels, we will secure the long-term future of the Gwent Levels by protecting, enhancing, and celebrating one of Wales's most distinctive, biodiverse, and important historic landscapes. Our programme will deliver 23 projects across eight themes, bringing together landowners, farmers, businesses, partner organisations, and some of the most diverse communities in Wales to deliver lasting environmental, social and economic benefits across the landscape. We want to restore and reconnect habitats across the 225km2 of alluvial floodplain, helping to reverse biodiversity loss, improve climate resilience, and safeguard the area's unique cultural and archaeological heritage. Through targeted support for landowners, the programme will support the transition to sustainable, nature-friendly farming, helping to create a nature-positive local economy that benefits both farmers and the environment, and that contributes towards international 30x30 biodiversity targets. At the same time, we will help more people to understand, enjoy and care for the Gwent Levels through volunteering, citizen science, education and engagement activities, ensuring that people from across the area and beyond can play an active role in its future.

Outputs: Outputs from original Living Levels programme available at: https://www.livinglevels.org.uk/documents-library

Project Contact: christopher.harris@rspb.org.uk

Link / URL: https://www.livinglevels.org.uk/

Project Title: North Devon NIA

Programme: Nature Improvement Area

Project Lead: Devon Wildlife Trust

Partners: North Devon Catchment Partnership (Beaford Arts, Mole Valley Farmers Butterfly Conservation, Natural England, Devon Biodiversity Records Centre, North Devon UNESCO Biosphere, Devon County Council, Plymouth University, Devon Wildlife Trust, Torridge District Council, Environment Agency, University of Exeter, Forestry Commission, Woodland Trust)

Funders: Defra

Nature of funding: Public sector (e.g. Defra)

Habitats: Rivers and streams, Broadleaved, Mixed and Yew Woodland (inc. orchards, wood pasture, lowland and upland woods) , Acid grassland, Improved grassland (e.g. coastal and floodplain grazing marsh), Hedgerows

Dates: 2012 - 2020

Area: 3000

Goals and Objectives: To take an ecosystems-based approach to restore and re-create a wildlife-rich landscape across the internationally important River Torridge catchment, especially within the culm acid wet grasslands and to develop stronger links between environment, economy and local communities. Project is now the Northern Devon Natural Solutions.

Actions: Restoration, creation and connecting key habitats especially clum meadows and semi-natural woodland. Deliver high quality ecosystem services (water quality, flood risk and carbon), enable community understanding, advisory services, economic support through local supply (woodfuel)

Action List: Land / water management, Habitat / natural process restoration, Habitat creation (new features e.g. new woodlands, ponds etc), Incentive programmes / Conservation payments, Advisory Services, Education / Training / Community Awareness

Ecosystem Services: Carbon / Net Zero / GHG, Biodiversity, Flood and Drought, Other

Baseline Monitoring: Yes

Accredited methods: Yes

Who is monitoring: Project team, Volunteers, Consultants, Researchers / Academics

Data available: Yes

High level summary: North Devon Nature Improvement Area restores and reconnects Culm grasslands, woodlands and rivers, enhancing ecosystem services and engaging communities across the Torridge catchment to create a resilient, wildlife-rich landscape.

Outputs: The first three years: 2012 - 15 Progress and learning so far. https://www.devonwildlifetrust.org/sites/default/files/2018-06/NIA_Report_2015.pdf

Project Contact: cth@geodata.soton.ac.uk

Link / URL: https://www.devonwildlifetrust.org/what-we-do/our-projects/northern-devon-nature-improvement-area

Project Title: Purbeck Heaths National Nature Reserve

Programme: Ian Mr Alexander

Project Lead: Natural England

Partners: Dorset National Landscape, Amphibian & Reptile Conservation, Dorset Wildlife Trust, Forestry England, National Trust, Rempstone Estate, RSPB

Funders: .

Nature of funding: Public sector (e.g. Defra), Private sector (individual / estate), Agri-payments (CS / SFI)

Habitats: Rivers and streams, Broadleaved, Mixed and Yew Woodland (inc. orchards, wood pasture, lowland and upland woods) , Coniferous woodland, Acid grassland, Neutral grassland, Dwarf shrub heath, Dense scrub, Hedgerows, Fen, marsh and swamp, Bogs

Dates: 2020 - None

Area: 3,300

Goals and Objectives: Nature recovery (rewilding) in a highly designated landscape. This NNR is sceduled to nearly double in size by 2027 taking in a much wider range of habitats including part of the chalk Purbeck Ridge and the limestone coast of Purbeck.

Actions: Process based (rather than target driven) management of a highly designated landscape (most of the NNR is SAC / SPA / Ramsar). Reversion to semi-natural habitat from past industrial uses, especially industrial agriculture and forestry. Wild grazing using cattle, ponies and pigs. Keystone species reintroductions (beaver and sea eagle). Private sector partnership. Community engagement.

Action List: Land / water habitat protection (e.g. creating a reserve), Land / water management, Habitat / natural process restoration, Species-specific Management, Invasive/problematic species control (e.g. Rhododendron control), Habitat restoration and rehabilitation, Natural process mimicry (controls to simulate processes), Habitat creation (new features e.g. new woodlands, ponds etc), Habitat linking (joining isolated habitats), Habitat buffering (buffer zones from external threats), Incentive programmes / Conservation payments, Advisory Services, Education / Training / Community Awareness, Regenerative practices (Agriculture / soils)*

Ecosystem Services: Carbon / Net Zero / GHG, Biodiversity, Water Quality, Health and Wellbeing, Cultural, Recreation and tourism

Baseline Monitoring: Not known

Accredited methods: Not known

Who is monitoring: Project team, Volunteers, Researchers / Academics

Data available: Not known

High level summary: In 2020 the declaration of Purbeck Heaths NNR amalgamated a series of once separate nature reserves / SSSIs into a single coherant landscape with seven partner organisation collaborating to deliver a single vision for management, monitoring and the economic development of the landscape based on its high nature value. Management is focused on getting the appropriate ecological processes in place (rather than managing towards a defined end point). By 2027 the area of the NNR is due to nearly double which will bring a range of additional habitats into the same management system.

Outputs: .

Project Contact: ian.alexander@naturalengland.org.uk

Link / URL: https://purbeckheaths.org.uk/ https://dorset-nl.org.uk/purbeck-heaths-national-nature-reserve/

Project Title: Resilient Rivers Monnow

Programme: Resilient Rivers Monnow

Project Lead: Wye and Usk Foundation

Partners: The project is underpinned by a strong partnership of organisations with complementary responsibilities, expertise and interests in reducing flood risk and improving catchment resilience. Monmouthshire County Council (MCC) is the Lead Local Flood Authority for Monmouthshire and provides an important local perspective on flood risk. MCC has direct knowledge of communities and infrastructure affected by flooding, including the impacts and consequences of major flood events. The Council plays a key role in understanding and managing local sources of flood risk, responding to flooding incidents, supporting affected communities and identifying opportunities to reduce future risk. Its local knowledge and relationships are particularly important in ensuring that project interventions are targeted towards areas where they can provide meaningful benefits. Natural Resources Wales (NRW) provides the strategic and catchment-scale perspective on flood risk management. Its responsibilities include managing flood risk from main rivers, strategic flood risk planning, flood forecasting and warning, flood risk modelling and supporting approaches that reduce flood risk at source. NRW's technical expertise, strategic oversight and understanding of catchment processes are central to developing and evaluating Natural Flood Management approaches as part of a wider flood risk management strategy. Network Rail has part-funded the development of the project and the catchment monitoring and evidence base that underpin it, alongside contributions from other partners. As a major infrastructure asset owner with an interest in reducing flood risk to the rail network, Network Rail brings an important understanding of the potential benefits of upstream interventions in protecting critical infrastructure and improving resilience. Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water (DCWW) has also provided significant support for critical research and development that has helped establish the evidence base for the project. Its interest in catchment resilience, water quality and the interaction between land management and water systems provides an important additional perspective. DCWW is expected to have an ongoing role in the development of the project and future opportunities for investment and delivery. Together, these partners provide a combination of local knowledge, statutory flood risk management responsibilities, strategic and technical expertise, infrastructure interests, research and development capability, and funding. This creates a strong foundation for developing, testing and ultimately scaling practical Natural Flood Management interventions across the catchment.

Funders: Natural Resources Wales Monmouthshire Council Network Rail Dwr Cymru Welsh Water

Nature of funding: Blended funding

Habitats: Rivers and streams, Broadleaved, Mixed and Yew Woodland (inc. orchards, wood pasture, lowland and upland woods), Acid grassland, Calcareous grassland, Neutral grassland, Improved grassland (e.g. coastal and floodplain grazing marsh), Urban (e.g. built and gardens, linear infrastructure), Hedgerows

Dates: 2025 - 2027

Area: 1294 of potential intervention area, 22000 total area

Goals and Objectives: Facilitate the transition into long term, financially viable sustainable farming practices, the local farming community is "farming for water" Demonstrate a transferrable and scalable market approach which can be transferred and upscaled across the UK Reduce the impacts of flooding in the River Monnow catchment, with particular focus on communities in Grosmont, Skenfrtih, Osbaston and Monmouth Increase groundwater storage to improve drought resilience

Actions: Grazing management changes over winter Shelterbelt creation Flow attenuation

Action List: Land / water management, Regenerative practices (Agriculture / soils)*

Ecosystem Services: Flood and Drought

Baseline Monitoring: Yes

Accredited methods: No

Who is monitoring: Project team, Landowner / tenants, Consultants, Researchers / Academics

Data available: No

High level summary: The soils of the River Monnow catchment offer an enormous NFM value as, under the right conditions, they can absorb enormous volumes of water in winter storms, preventing the rain from running across fields and into the watercourse and ultimately reducing flooding downstream. By valuing "water management" as a crop in its own right, we can change the economic framework that land is managed under and so by ensure farmers are paid more and business pays less. The Wye and Usk Foundation is pioneering a groundbreaking approach to deliver this change. We are developing a new market where downstream businesses and users pool their resources to "buy" flood resilience for their infrastructure, funding farmers to "farm for water" as part of their businesses, slowing the flow of water during rainfall before it reaches our towns. This lowers the cost for everyone involved while providing long term funding for farmers, whilst NFM measures also provide additional benefits to farms, such as providing high quality grass for spring lambs, improved soil health and retention.

Outputs: TBC - Planning academic publications co-produced with multiple universities/organisations. Summary report, hydrological modelling report.

Project Contact: james@wyeuskfoundation.org

Link / URL: https://resilientrivers.co.uk/

Project Title: Ripa Gar-Hutton Glen Lochay Biodiversity Partnership

Programme:

Project Lead: Ripa Gar Foundation

Partners: The James Hutton Institute and Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

Funders: Ripa Gar Foundation

Nature of funding: Private sector (individual / estate)

Habitats: Rivers and streams, Standing open water and canals, Broadleaved, Mixed and Yew Woodland (inc. orchards, wood pasture, lowland and upland woods) , Coniferous woodland, Acid grassland, Calcareous grassland, Dwarf shrub heath, Bogs, Montane habitat

Dates: 2019 -

Area: 5666

Goals and Objectives: The primary aim of the Ripa Gar Foundation is to achieve biodiversity, and to so so with as little human intervention as possible. The foundation ensures that this environmental purpose is maintained 'forever', creating an everlasting purpose. The foundation is intended to be a vivid example of alternative perspective that gives nature its own value, regardless of whether or not people perceive it. The aim is to achieve harmony of nature, and a balance created by the self. People are encouraged to find inspiration among the silent uplands of the glen.

Actions: Planting of over 1.5 million native broadleaf and conifer trees to create and open woodland. Creation of tree nursery to support rearing of local genetic tree stock. Planting on montane willow shrubs. Reintroduction of rare plant species including Alpine Blue-sowthistle, Wych Elm and Wild Apple. Fencing to exclude deer and encourage woodland development natural colonisation along with deer culling. Removal of livestock and cattle, apart from summer cattle grazing and soay sheep as food resource for nesting golden eagles and other raptors. Engineering of waterways to create wetland ponds and slow movement of water along the river Lochay.

Action List: Land / water habitat protection (e.g. creating a reserve), Land / water management, Habitat / natural process restoration, Species-specific Management, Habitat restoration and rehabilitation, Natural process mimicry (controls to simulate processes), Habitat creation (new features e.g. new woodlands, ponds etc), Incentive programmes / Conservation payments

Ecosystem Services: Carbon / Net Zero / GHG, Biodiversity, Flood and Drought, Soil Health, Erosion control, Health and Wellbeing, Cultural, Other

Baseline Monitoring: Yes

Accredited methods: Not known

Who is monitoring: Researchers / Academics

Data available: Yes

High level summary: Please see website

Outputs: Please see website

Project Contact: stuart.smith@hutton.ac.uk

Link / URL: https://www.ripagar.com/

Project Title: Solway Coast and marine Project - Landscape Connections (SCAMP)

Programme: National Lottery Heritage Fund Landscape Connections Programme

Project Lead: Dumfries and Galloway Council

Partners: Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere, Solway Firth Partnership, Galloway Rivers Trust, Dumfries and Galloway Woodlands, Crichton Carbon Centre, Southern Uplands Partnership, RSPB

Funders: National Lottery Heritage Fund, South of Scotland Enterprise, SEPA, Nature Restoration Fund, SWESTRANS, Holywood Trust, Dumfries and Galloway Council, Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal

Nature of funding: Public sector (e.g. Defra)

Habitats: Rivers and streams, Broadleaved, Mixed and Yew Woodland (inc. orchards, wood pasture, lowland and upland woods) , Fen, marsh and swamp, Bogs, Sublittoral / marine sediments (e.g. Subtidal Muds, Sands and Gravels - e.g. subtidal seagrass beds)

Dates: 2025 - 2035

Area: 217,000

Goals and Objectives: Solway Coast and Marine Project - Landscape Connections (SCAMP) is an ambitious coastal and marine nature restoration project, seeking to restore the coastal and shallow sea habitats of the Solway, along the entire 210 miles of the Dumfries and Galloway Coastline from Gretna to the Rhins of Galloway. SCAMP plans to explore community-driven initiatives to enhance and restore biodiversity and habitats, both underwater and along the coast. It will support communities to adapt to the effects of climate change, be more resilient to predicted sea level rise, and gain sustainable economic and social benefits.

Actions: We are focusing on the restoration of 6 key habitats, Native oyster reef, seagrass, saltmarsh, sand dunes, coastal woodland and coastal burns as we and access to the coast for local people and visitors through the improvement of coastal infrastructure, education and training and economic development for costal communities, utilising the arts and culture to engage local communities

Action List: Land / water habitat protection (e.g. creating a reserve), Land / water management, Habitat / natural process restoration, Invasive/problematic species control (e.g. Rhododendron control), Habitat restoration and rehabilitation, Habitat creation (new features e.g. new woodlands, ponds etc), Habitat linking (joining isolated habitats), Education / Training / Community Awareness

Ecosystem Services: Carbon / Net Zero / GHG, Biodiversity, Water Quality, Improved farm economics, Health and Wellbeing, Cultural, Recreation and tourism

Baseline Monitoring: Yes

Accredited methods: Yes

Who is monitoring: Project team, Volunteers, Consultants, Researchers / Academics

Data available: No

High level summary: The Solway Firth is one of the largest and least industrialised estuaries in Europe, with a diverse marine ecosystem. Solway Coast and Marine Project - Landscape Connections (SCAMP) is an ambitious coastal and marine nature restoration project, seeking to restore the coastal and shallow sea habitats of the Solway, along the entire 210 miles of the Dumfries and Galloway Coastline from Gretna to the Rhins of Galloway. SCAMP plans to explore community-driven initiatives to enhance and restore biodiversity and habitats, both underwater and along the coast. It will support communities to adapt to the effects of climate change, be more resilient to predicted sea level rise, and gain sustainable economic and social benefits.

Outputs: Currently in development

Project Contact: karen.morley@dumgal.gov.uk

Link / URL: https://www.solwaycoastmarine.co.uk/