Hadrian's Wall nature recovery project gets boost

The project stretches from Greenlee Lough to Bell Crag Flow

A nature recovery project near Hadrian's Wall aims to transform thousands of acres of farmland and forest to boost biodiversity and help farmers adapt to climate change.

Following a £750,000 grant from Defra, the Hadrian's Wall Landscape Recovery Project will reconnect habitats, supporting species like curlews, otters and water voles.

The project stretches along the wall from Greenlee Lough to Bell Crag Flow and will include more than 11,000 acres (4451 hectares) of land, an area four times the size of Kielder Water.

Tony Gates, chief executive of the Northumberland National Park Authority (NNPA), called it "one of the most ambitious nature recovery projects in the UK".

Launched in 2023, the project links two national nature reserves, nearly eight miles (12.8km) of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and more than 2,965 acres (1,200 hectares) of carbon-rich peatlands.

NNPA hopes the money will enhance biodiversity, support sustainable farming and reduce flood risk to nearby communities.

Kit Acton says the project is helping him boost biodiversity on his farm

Kit Acton, a farmer at Bradley Farm, which is near to the wall, is part of the Landscape Recovery project and said it was providing "an exciting opportunity for farmers" to "enhance biodiversity and wider ecosystem services in a working landscape".

Mr Gates added: "We're creating a landscape where nature and farming work go hand in hand supporting biodiversity, tackling climate change, and enhancing the well-being of local communities and visitors alike."