6th May, 2024

Care through Conservation

Aubourn Estate celebrates landscape recovery success.

Aubourn Estate is set to embark on our next vital phase of environmental stewardship having secured funding from the second round of the Landscape Recovery programme.

This historic Lincolnshire estate, along with its network of farmland, wetland, rivers and woodlands is part of the Lincoln and Witham Valley Farming and Nature Network (LWFNN), is now gearing up for its next era of growth.

A landscape in need: the £25 million investment sowing success.

With its rolling pastures and ancient woodlands, the British countryside has long been a tapestry of both natural beauty and agricultural productivity. Yet, the balance between these elements is extremely delicate.

The LWFNN recognises the interconnectedness of Lincolnshire’s rural landscape — a mosaic that supports not only farms but the biodiversity that sustains them. With this in mind, we’re pleased to share that Aubourn Estate is among the 34 projects that have been selected for funding in the second round of the Landscape Recovery programme.

This £25 million investment will support 12 more projects than its predecessor, underlining our commitment to environmental progress alongside sustainable food production. Focused on achieving net zero, enhancing protected sites, and creating wildlife-rich habitats, this phase exemplifies large-scale collaboration. In fact, over 700 farmers and landowners working with their communities will collectively manage and rejuvenate more than 200,000 hectares across England.

Nationally, these initiatives will restore over 35,000 hectares of peatland, sustainably manage more than 20,000 hectares of woodland, and create over 7,000 hectares of new woodland, including temperate rainforests. Additionally, the projects will benefit more than 160 protected sites, including numerous Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs).

Among these successful projects is Aubourn Estate, part of the Lincoln and Witham Valley Farming and Nature Network (LWFNN) with this historic Lincolnshire estate, alongside its network of farmland and ecosystems, will play a significant role in this ambitious environmental undertaking.

What is landscape recovery?

The Landscape Recovery scheme is part of the Environmental Land Management (ELM) framework, alongside the Sustainable Farming Incentive and Countryside Stewardship. These schemes combine to ultimately aim to improve water quality, biodiversity, soil health, and climate resilience. However, they differ in some key ways: Landscape Recovery focuses on large-scale, long-term projects. It empowers farmers and land managers to co-design tailored agreements spanning over 500 hectares, contributing to the UK’s net zero and biodiversity targets outlined in the Net Zero Strategy and Environment Act 2021.

Collaborative environmental transformation

Aubourn Estate’s involvement showcases the impact of stakeholder partnerships. Launched in May 2023, the second round of the Landscape Recovery programme focuses on net zero carbon emissions, protected sites, and wildlife-rich habitats, building on the first round’s 22 successful projects that supported river restoration and species like water voles and otters.

Selected approved projects, like ours, enter a development phase with public funding, refining management plans, securing permits, engaging stakeholders, and setting up monitoring systems. This phase bridges planning to implementation, aiming for effective habitat restoration. A notable aspect is attracting private investment, combining public and private funding to boost both ecological and economic benefits. Projects can tap into markets for carbon sequestration and water quality improvements, fostering strong, lasting partnerships.

Lessons from the initial rounds are shaping future initiatives, with the first round’s high interest—51 applications for 15 slots—demonstrating readiness for collaborative, innovative approaches. The scheme emphasises inclusivity, valuing the involvement of tenant farmers and adapting based on feedback to enhance its reach and effectiveness.

Ploughing a path forward

As Landscape Recovery progresses, it will rely on collective learning and shared strategies to create lasting change. Successful projects will illustrate how mixed funding, partnerships, and co-designed plans can restore habitats, strengthen ecosystems, and support rural resilience. Applications for the next round in 2024 encourage more participants to contribute to England’s sustainable landscape transformation.

Watch this space - we’ll update you with more information as our scheme develops.

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