Westmorland and Furness Conservation Project Wins Prestigious National Award
A collaborative effort to revitalize local ecosystems has received high-level national recognition, as the "Planting for Pollinators" scheme has been named a champion at the annual Bees’ Needs Awards.
The initiative, a joint venture between Westmorland and Furness Council and the Cumbria Wildlife Trust, was honored by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) for its significant contribution to reversing the decline of vital insect populations.
Since its launch in 2023, the project has successfully transformed 22 sites across the region into thriving, species-rich lowland meadows and pollinator-friendly community gardens. In total, 4.2 hectares of land have been repurposed to provide a crucial lifeline for local bees, butterflies, and hoverflies.
Empowering the Community
Beyond the physical transformation of the landscape, the project has focused heavily on education and sustainability. Over the past three years, the Cumbria Wildlife Trust has spearheaded a series of workshops and community-led events. These sessions have provided schools, local councils, and private residents with the necessary skills to manage and maintain these habitats long-term.
Tanya St Pierre, grassland and pollinator team manager for the Cumbria Wildlife Trust, highlighted the urgency of the work. “Over the last 10 years, we’ve seen worrying downward trends in wild pollinator numbers across the UK. Well-loved insects such as butterflies, bumblebees, and hoverflies have declined by up to 34 per cent,” she noted.
"Nature reserves are simply not enough to help support these species alone," St Pierre added. "We’ve been able to work closely with communities, groups, and schools across the area to provide them with the skills needed to establish and manage natural, wildflower-rich habitats right on their doorstep."
A Model for Future Biodiversity
The impact of the project has been widespread, with over 700 local residents taking direct action to foster biodiversity in their own towns and villages.
Councillor John Murray, Westmorland and Furness Council cabinet member for climate, biodiversity, and regulatory services, expressed his pride in the project’s success.
"The role that bees and other pollinating insects play in biodiversity and food production is vital," Councillor Murray said. "This project is a great example of how we can work together to reverse pollinator decline and connect communities to their local green spaces."
The award serves as a timely reminder that small, individual actions can lead to significant environmental gains. Experts encourage the public to continue supporting these efforts by growing nectar-rich plants, reducing lawn mowing frequency, and limiting the use of pesticides to ensure this Cumbrian wildlife project remains a blueprint for nature restoration across the country.
