Nature recovery on hills given £1m funding

Almost £1m is going to be used to support the long‑term recovery of nature across the Shropshire Hills National Landscape.

The £993,000 grant, awarded by the National Lottery, will support the first stage of the project.

The scheme aims to involve more than 200 landowners across the next 10 years to restore rivers as well as smaller nature recovery initiatives, Shropshire Council said.

The funding will allow farmers, landowners, communities and young people to work on proposals that, if agreed, could see a further £8.9m in funding granted in the future.

Councillor Sarah Marston said being given the money was recognition of the national significance of the Shropshire Hills.

"We have a real opportunity to create lasting benefits for wildlife, landscapes and people," she added.

Eilish McGuinness, chief executive of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said landscapes were facing "unprecedented challenges" from climate change and biodiversity loss, and that meeting them required groups to work together.

"This development funding will help turn ideas into action, laying the foundations for long-term change that benefits both nature and people," she added.

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