Over the last 4 years, we have been working with Cambridgeshire ACRE to evaluate their new ‘New Life on the Old West’ project, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The project aimed to enhance the resilience of the Fenland landscape through improved habitat connectivity, increased biodiversity and greater opportunities for local people to engage with nature.
We have just completed the final evaluation which has highlighted what a successful project this has been. A considerable amount of local community engagement has been achieved, with many of the fenland villages in the project area now involved in looking after local greenspace. A key point of learning from the evaluation is that the project provided ‘permission’ for people to take nature positive actions and this mandating process has released lots of local energy, commitment and a sense of pride in the unique fens landscape.
You can find out more about the project and watch its progress by checking into their website: New Life on the Old West.