Wiltshire Council supports major funding bid to enhance North Wessex Downs
Bid aims to secure up to £1.8 million for landscape and biodiversity projects
Wiltshire Council has confirmed its backing for a substantial funding bid aimed at enhancing the North Wessex Downs National Landscape, one of southern England's most cherished biodiversity areas.
The council's cabinet meeting on 17th March saw agreement for supporting the landscape's application for more than £1 million in grant funding through the National Grid's Landscape Enhancement Initiative (LEI).
The initiative funds efforts to reduce the visual impact of pylons while promoting environmental and community benefits.
The North Wessex Downs National Landscape (NWDNL) aims to submit six grant applications across two funding rounds in 2026.
With up to £300,000 available per project, successful bids could acquire a total of £1.8 million for projects stretching across Wiltshire, Hampshire, West Berkshire, and Oxfordshire.
To support the bid, 25% match funding has been secured for the first three projects, largely from volunteer contributions and other grants.
Focus Areas of the Enhancement Programme
The programme focuses on improving natural habitats, biodiversity, climate resilience, and public access to green spaces.
Efforts will include enhancing footpaths, replacing stiles with accessible gates, and introducing interpretation boards for better wayfinding.
These measures aim to support physical activity, wellbeing, and social connections within communities.
Potential project areas include hedgerow and woodland planting, grassland and pond restoration, nature-friendly farming, and habitat improvements for species reported in the NWDNL Nature Recovery Plan.
Projects will also help redirect attention away from intrusive pylon infrastructure, enhancing the visual beauty of the landscape.
Long-Term Impact and Management
The initiative aligns with Wiltshire Council’s commitments to expand tree canopy cover by 20% and improve residents' access to nature.
Projects will roll out over two to three years, followed by mandatory maintenance to ensure long-term success.
As the host authority for NWDNL, Wiltshire Council will manage funds according to national requirements and additional staff capacity will be supported through the grant.
Councillor Paul Sample, Wiltshire Council Cabinet Member for Environment, Climate and Waste, highlighted the funding as a significant step toward the council's goals of boosting wildlife recovery and emphasising climate resilience within the county.
Jemima Sellwood from the NWDNL team expressed delight in the council's support, marking the initiative as pivotal for advancing the North Wessex Downs Management Plan, particularly concerning nature recovery.