A WORCESTERSHIRE based wildlife conservation group is celebrating its fifth birthday with another funding boost from central government.
Natural Networks, a partnership between Worcestershire Wildlife Trust and Worcestershire County Council, works with landowners and provides match funding for work that helps preserve and replenish their land and nature.
The organisation originally received funding from the European Regional Development Fund in 2018 and was so successful in its first three years that the project was extended to five years, which was due to end this summer.
With the latest funding boost of £324,726 through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the project has been extended for a further two years.
Over the last five years, Natural Networks has provided conservation advice on more than 2,630 hectares of land across Worcestershire with projects on more than 130 hectares receiving funding to carry out heeded advice.
Across the funded projects, over 27,000 trees and shrubs have been planted, over 77,000 bulbs and plug plants were planted, over 800 bird, bug and bat boxes were installed, more than 4,400 metres of hedges were planted, more than 1,350 metres of waterway were enhanced and over 50 ponds and wetlands were created or enhanced.
An independent evaluation of the first five years concluded that for every £1 spent, £4.20 was gained in public benefits such as clean air, better water quality and improved nature-based recreation opportunities for people.
An example of a project to benefit from Natural Networks advise and funding in Droitwich is the transformation of Bull Meadow into a community open space for North Claines Parish Council.
As part of the Bull Meadow project, the grassy blank canvas was turned into a diverse space with wetlands, orchards and sprawling hedgerows.
800 tress were planted along the hedgerows and within the orchard, fruit trees, hedging trees, flowers and bulbs were all planted.
Felled trees were repurposed to provide shelter and habitats for wildlife including reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates and bee banks were created for solitary bees to burrow nests into.
Meg Farmer, North Claines Parish Council, said: “When we purchased Bull Meadow it became clear that residents didn’t want the area to become a sports field or commercially developed.
“A company called Leaves of Green did our concept plan but we didn’t know quite how to achieve this.
“With the fantastic help of Natural Networks, the dream is becoming reality.
“They have helped us both financially and practically.
“We are indebted to Natural Networks for all their help.”
Colin Raven, Director of Worcestershire Wildlife Trust, commented “We’re delighted by the achievements of this successful project over the last five years.
“The statistics speak for themselves.
“Thank you to our partners, Worcestershire County Council and also to all the individuals, communities and groups who have worked with our teams to create amazing spaces for wildlife and for people.”
Councillor Richard Morris, Worcestershire County Council’s cabinet member for environment, said “It’s fantastic that we’ve managed to secure funding to support such an important programme.
“The programme has been a huge success.
“I’d like to thank everyone involved.”
Visit: www.worcswildlifetrust.co.uk/natural-networks for more information.
