Kesteven nature and heritage project secures quarter of a million pounds in lottery funding
The Roots of Kesteven project will look at nature recovery, heritage and community access across the area
A new project aiming to boost nature recovery, heritage and community access across North and South Kesteven has been awarded development funding of around £250,000.
The money has come from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and will support early work on the Roots of Kesteven project, a long-term programme covering woodlands, farmland, historic sites, villages and wildlife habitats across the area.
It's after funding raised by National Lottery players, which will allow partners to carry out detailed research, gather specialist evidence and work with communities, organisations and stakeholders to help shape a shared vision for the future of the area.
The project is being led by Lincolnshire County Council, working in partnership with North Kesteven District Council, South Kesteven District Council, the Woodland Trust and Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust.
What will the development phase involve
During the development phase, partners will explore opportunities to improve habitat connectivity, strengthen ecological networks, enhance access to nature, encourage greater participation in local heritage, and build resilience to future environmental challenges.
Matthew Davey, Natural Environment Officer at Lincolnshire County Council, said: "This funding gives us an exciting opportunity to work closely with local communities and partners to understand what is important to people and how we can protect and enhance the unique character of Kesteven for future generations."
"The development phase is about building a strong foundation for a larger programme that will deliver lasting benefits for nature, heritage and the communities that live and work across the area. We are looking forward to working with a wide range of people as the project develops."
The Roots of Kesteven project aims to create a programme that strengthens the natural environment while helping people connect more deeply with the landscapes, stories and heritage that have shaped the area over centuries.
Over the coming months, the partnership will carry out detailed planning and engagement work to identify opportunities and priorities, helping to develop proposals for future investment and delivery.