Wildlife and nature programmes are some of the most vital projects receiving lottery cash. We have previously covered some important projects. The latest centres on the River Rye in Yorkshire. It is hoped the money will encourage native British wildlife such as otters, crayfish (under threat from American Crayfish) and bats. The Yorkshire Ryevitalise programme has just received a £275,000 boost and hopes to receive a further £2m in 2017. The Heritage Lottery Fund allocated the grant as part of the Landscape Partnership Programme. Project managers hope that more people will come to understand and enjoy the importance of the River Rye area.
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Yorkshire Ryevitalise Programme In Depth
Organisers have identified four areas on which the Yorkshire Ryevitalise programme will focus. Each one is vital to promoting the area, involving professionals and local volunteers while working with residents:
- The water environment (promoting and addressing issues of sustainability and threatened species).
- Water quality (working with locals and stakeholders to reduce pollutants entering the river and its local environment).
- Water level management (to reduce the capacity for flooding, ensuring a sustainable environment for the dry land lining the river).
- Reconnecting people with the landscape (promoting understanding and importance of the Rye Valley area).
Speaking about the HLF grant, the Chief Executive pointed out that projects like the Yorkshire Ryevitalise programme help promote environments in remote areas. With climate change creating new problems for our natural environment, it is best that we do what we can to help areas such as the Rye Valley. It is also about connecting people with their communities. The first grant (and hopefully part of the £2m should that get the go ahead) will teach people conservation skills so that they may get involved. There are also opportunities for local education. The group has outdoor classrooms and field trips for planned for school groups.