Wiltshire farms secure £1.2 million grant to enhance landscape around power lines
Project aims to improve biodiversity with new woodlands, hedgerows, and ponds
Farmers in the North Wessex Downs National Landscape have received over £1 million for projects that aim to improve the countryside impacted by power lines.
The National Grid’s Landscape Enhancement Initiative awarded £1.2 million to support 20 farms within the Southern Streams Farmer Group.
Located between Burbage and Vernham Dean on the Wiltshire/Hampshire border, the initiative plans to plant 1.2 km of new hedgerow and broadleaf woodland, create 10 new ponds, and restore downland.
Additionally, half a mile of footpaths will be restored.
The 13-hectare project area encompasses 20 farms and notable landmarks such as Wiltshire’s Wilton Windmill.
The funding seeks to mitigate the visual effect of electricity pylons and enhance habitats for rare species like willow tits, dormice, and the Duke of Burgundy butterfly.
Jemima Sellwood, project lead for the North Wessex Downs National Landscape, expressed enthusiasm for the project:
“We are delighted to have the go-ahead for this important project."
Sellwood emphasised the initiative’s multifaceted impact:
“It will have a huge impact on the landscape within the North Wessex Downs, help with nature recovery, as well as benefitting more people to enjoy the health benefits of access to the countryside.”
From the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group, Belinda Bown added:
“The Southern Streams Farmers group aims to enhance the local landscape, and this project provides an incredible opportunity to support biodiversity, access and environmental resilience across neighbouring farmland.”
Cllr Paul Sample, Wiltshire Council’s cabinet member for the environment, welcomed the project’s potential to advance environmental objectives:
“This project is a significant step toward our long-term goals of boosting wildlife recovery, expanding tree canopy cover, and ensuring Wiltshire becomes a more resilient, climate-focussed county.”
This collaboration exemplifies a proactive approach to landscape management, nature recovery, and public accessibility in the region.