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The image depicts a scenic landscape featuring open fields with a small body of water in the foreground. The midground includes a mix of fields and wooded areas. The sky is predominantly clear with scattered clouds, suggesting a sunny day. The horizon stretches to distant hills or low mountains under a blue sky.
Project

Biodiversity Boost:

A Journey to a Wilder Druridge

Northumberland Wildlife Trust are delighted to receive £750,000 from DEFRA and the National Lottery Heritage Fund’s Species Survival Fund, to increase biodiversity in the Druridge area. The Species Survival Fund is a short-term programme designed to support the creation and restoration of wildlife-rich habitats in England.

Watch our video below for an introduction to the project, you can also join us for one of our regular West Chevington Wanders - take a look at the events page to find out when the next one is!

Habitat creation and improvement work will involve the restructuring of plantation woodland, reedbeds and waterways as well as the creation of species rich grassland, a wildflower meadow and wetland areas across three of our reserves; East Chevington, West Chevington and Hauxley as well as at Northumberland Zoo.

You can watch our video below and read our latest blog to find out about the January 2025 work being done at East Chevington as part of the Biodiversity Boost project.

The image depicts a landscape with several wind turbines situated in a forested area. The sky is clear with scattered clouds, and a dirt road is visible running through the trees. The scene suggests a blend of renewable energy infrastructure and natural environment.

Plantation woodland at West Chevington.

The project also aims to connect more people to nature. This will be done through volunteer task days and public events. Facilities to watch and learn about native wildlife will be improved by the installation of two new wildlife watching hides and wildlife cameras and access to our reserves will be improved through the creation of new footpaths and bridleways.

The project will provide employment to two project officers and two trainees. Alongside our project partners EcoNorth, Flexigraze and Northumberland Zoo, we aim to work with local contractors to boost the local economy.

With the help of the Species Survival Fund we hope to create and enhance habitats for our native species whilst improve people’s connections to nature.

The image shows the interior of a wooden birdwatching hide overlooking a tranquil landscape. A long, low wooden bench runs along one wall, offering a place to sit and observe the scenery. The hide’s large window provides unobstructed views of a calm body of water, grassy wetlands, and a distant horizon under a bright blue sky with fluffy white clouds. The overall atmosphere is peaceful and serene, designed for quiet observation of nature.

Wildlife hide at East Chevington.

Get involved

There will be many opportunities to take part in survey work and practical conservation during the course of this project. You can sign up to take part in regular volunteering opportunities by visiting our volunteering page here.

The photograph shows a group of ten smiling volunteers, all making the "fingers crossed" hand gesture. They are standing outdoors in a wooded area, dressed in casual yet practical outdoor clothing suitable for fieldwork. The background is a mix of evergreen and deciduous trees, suggesting a conservation or environmental project setting. The volunteers appear to belong to the same organization, as several are wearing similar branded jackets. The overall mood is up

Volunteers at West Chevington.

More info

Feel free to get in touch with our Project Officer, Helen Walsh, for more information

Email: helen.walsh@northwt.org.uk

Evaluator wanted

The Northumberland Wildlife Trust seeks to appoint an enthusiastic and creative individual or organisation to conduct the project evaluation for our Biodiversity Boost: A Journey to a Wilder Druridge Project. This project has been made possible by funding from the Species Survival Fund and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The deadline for submission of proposals is midday on Wednesday 8th January and interested parties should contact the Project Officer before midday on 20th December to request the ‘Additional information & project delivery plan’ document prior to submitting their proposals.

Partners

Flexigraze, Northumberland Zoo and EcoNorth

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