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£750,000 from defra for landscape recovery

Monday, 13 May 2024 07:00

By Chris Collman

An ambitious landscape-scale project to improve the environment for wildlife and for people has been launched by Clinton Devon Estates after a successful bid for Government funding.

Kirstie Ellis has been appointed as Project Manager for “Heaths to Sea: Landscape recovery of the Lower Otter Valley”. Kirstie will lead the two-year development phase of the project.

The development plans will be assessed by the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). If approved, the project will move to the implementation phase, leading to the planting of more woodland, an expansion of wildlife-rich wetland, mitigation of the impact of climate change and improved access to the countryside.

The aim is to bring environmental benefits in harmony with food production in what will remain an important area for farming covering around 5,000 hectares of East Devon and including the internationally important Pebblebed Heaths National Nature Reserve.

It is one of 34 projects across England to share in investment from Defra totalling £25 million, in the second phase of the Government’s Landscape Recovery plan. Heaths to Sea: Landscape Recovery of the Lower Otter Valley, has received £750,000 for the two-year development phase.

The project will include:

  • Engaging with local people, neighbouring landowners and other stakeholders to agree landscape priorities.
  • Considering what actions are feasible and achievable.
  • Assessing what the delivery of the project will cost – and identifying sources of private, as well as public funding.
  • Producing a fully costed plan for Government outlining what the gains for nature and society will be in the long-term.

 

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