Forest of Bowland National Landscape launches fund to help communities restore nature
Community groups across the Ribble Valley are being invited to apply for funding to help restore nature and connect more people with the outdoors.
A new Community Nature Fund has been launched by the Forest of Bowland National Landscape as part of its commitment to tackling biodiversity loss and supporting local action for nature.
The fund, developed through the new Forest of Bowland Management Plan, will provide grants to community organisations with projects that help protect and restore wildlife or encourage people to engage with nature across the nationally protected landscape.
The launch comes amid growing concern about the state of nature in the UK. Populations of breeding birds, pollinators and many other species have declined sharply over the past 50 years, while wildlife-rich habitats have become increasingly fragmented and vulnerable to pressures including climate change and human activity.
Although the Forest of Bowland is one of the country's most treasured landscapes, biodiversity in the area is also facing significant challenges.
The National Landscape team hopes the fund will support a new wave of grassroots conservation projects while building on the success of initiatives already making a difference across Bowland and surrounding communities.
Among those inspiring the scheme is the Bowland Swift Group, based in the Ribble Valley, which was established to help reverse the decline of one of Britain's most iconic summer visitors.
Chris Smith, from Waddington, said: "I set up the Bowland Swift Group in response to concerns over the declining number of these iconic birds.
"Following a kick-off meeting in Grindleton there has been great support from the local community. We have been supported and advised by Sarah at Forest of Bowland and also the fantastically enthusiastic Louise from Bolton and Bury Swift Group.
"We now have a small team building our own boxes and assembling the boxes kindly donated by Forest of Bowland."
The group has already installed more than 40 swift nesting boxes on homes in Sawley, Grindleton and West Bradford, many fitted with callers that play swift calls to attract birds to potential nesting sites.
Mr Smith added: "We are also planning to start monitoring existing swift numbers and nest locations. Hopefully we can then see increases in the future.
"We are the only swift group in the Forest of Bowland and going forwards we would like to support other communities to maintain and hopefully increase swift numbers across the region."
Another example is Community Pollinator Patches, a volunteer-led project that has transformed areas of the lower Lune Valley into thriving habitats for insects and wildlife.
Led by local resident Erica Sarney, volunteers have spent years planting native wildflowers and grasses on roadside verges and community spaces. In 2021, the group began work on Hermitage Field at the Crook o'Lune near Caton, converting an area of rough grassland into a colourful wildflower meadow rich in biodiversity.
Working alongside Lancaster City Council's Public Realm team and the Bowland Haytime project, volunteers have helped create habitats that benefit both wildlife and local residents.
The Forest of Bowland National Landscape team also hopes the new fund will support projects that help people experience the physical and mental wellbeing benefits of spending time in nature.
Potential projects could include initiatives similar to Burnley Football Club in the Community's Connecting People and Nature programme, as well as work undertaken by Access the Dales and other organisations that help people enjoy the countryside.
Forest of Bowland Partnership Manager Tony Lund said: "We are very excited about this new fund and the opportunities it offers to support nature and communities in the Forest of Bowland.
"We hope to see many more fabulous ideas for projects come about as a result of this funding. The team are looking forward to seeing applications come in during July and are happy to offer advice and support if required."
Applications for the Community Nature Fund open this summer. Further information, eligibility details and application guidance can be found on the Forest of Bowland website.