Worcestershire Wildlife Trust 'focused' on initial phase of £3.6 million nature recovery project
Worcestershire Wildlife Trust has received over £90,000 in funding so it can develop its plans to restore 418 square kilometres of land in the east of the county
The initial phase of a 'major nature restoration project' being given the green light is "great news" says Worcestershire Wildlife Trust.
A total of £94,815 has been awarded to the trust from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to help it develop the £3.6 million scheme called A Network for Nature.
Plans will see them work with multiple partners across a 418 square kilometre area, including the 'historic' Forest of Feckenham, with the aim to help restore nature and to connect people to the wildlife on their doorsteps.
If progressing to the delivery stage, it would be the largest nature restoration project the trust will have ever take on and would be looking at the multi-million pound scheme being carried out over five years.
Worcestershire Wildlife Trust chief executive Mike Perry says the funding means the trust can work on the project over the next 15-18 months and how it can help nature 'bounce back' in the area.
"Our job now is to get on and do a lot of work, actually a lot of consultation, and develop our plans further, whether that's habitat restoration or whether it's getting place evaluation plans," he said.
"The area's got pockets of absolutely amazing spaces for nature, but you've also got a fragmented landscape where connectivity could be better.
"The job of the project is to try and extend those connected areas, improve some habitats of wildlife and really try and join the dots."
The first phase of the project will allow the trust to employ a member of staff to connect with landowners and community groups to explore options for nature’s recovery in the area.
It adds in its plans this might include investigating ways to improve soil health on farms or connecting local people with the cultural and natural history of their area they're based in.