A new pond at Ashgill, County Durham. Credit: Michael Burn
When I last wrote about the Species Survival Fund in 2024, we had just announced the 20 projects that would receive a share of £25million to help halt and reverse the decline in species abundance by preserving vital habitats.
Two years later, the final independent evaluation shows the impact those projects have had.
Delivered by The National Lottery Heritage Fund on behalf of Defra, the final report found that most of the funded projects met or exceeded their original targets.
Together, the projects delivered 4,800 hectares of habitat action, an area approximately the size of the city of Bath or 6,700 football pitches - exceeding the original target by almost 30%.
More than 51,000 people took part in events and activities, alongside more than 13,000 volunteers. Over 127,500 trees were planted and 3,596 habitat and species surveys were completed, helping create a stronger evidence base for future nature recovery.
The programme helped strengthen the environmental sector, supporting almost 200 roles, including 19 traineeships and eight apprenticeships, while more than 3,000 staff and volunteers received training and over 600 qualifications were achieved.
But the impacts are about more than the impressive numbers. It’s inspiring to see what the projects have achieved in a short period by bringing together thousands of people who care about our natural heritage. Below are just a few examples.
Cattle watchers in the North Wessex Downs
One example that stayed with me was from my visit to Bucklebury Common in the North Wessex Downs National Landscape, where conservation grazing is helping to restore rare heathland and wood pasture. A group of local residents signed up as “cattle watchers”, keeping an eye on the new herd of ten Belted Galloway heifers and sharing any concerns with the ranger via a dedicated WhatsApp group.
It is a simple but powerful example of how local knowledge and community action can support nature recovery and those managing our landscapes.
The conservation grazing herd of Belted Galloway at Bucklebury Common, North Wessex Downs National Landscape. Credit: Anthony CurrivanCoastal grasslands reconnected
In County Durham, the Durham Heritage Coast Partnership created Tina's Haven. It’s a 34-hectare nature reserve developed in memory of Tina Robson, who lost her life to trauma-based addiction. Designed with local organisations, it provides a safe space for women affected by addiction, trauma and social isolation.
The former agricultural site has been transformed through the planting of around 21,000 trees and the creation of woodland, grassland and wetland habitats.
Tina's Haven now forms an important link in a wider coastal habitat corridor between Seaham and Horden, supporting wildlife while also creating a space for wellbeing and connection.
Local police supporting tree planting at Tina’s Haven. Credit: National TrustCoastal and wetland habitats: more, better, bigger, joined
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds restored and reconnected coastal and wetland habitats across ten reserves and partner sites, including the Hoo Peninsula. Working at landscape scale, the project restored coastal and floodplain grazing marsh, helped reconnect habitats and improved conditions for breeding waders.
Early signs of recovery have already been recorded, with species including lapwing and terns seen using newly created islands and restored wetlands.
The project also worked with local communities, young people and underrepresented groups to help improve their access to nature.
Coastal and wetland habitats: more, better, bigger, joined
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds restored and reconnected coastal and wetland habitats across ten reserves and partner sites, including the Hoo Peninsula. Working at landscape scale, the project restored coastal and floodplain grazing marsh, helped reconnect habitats and improved conditions for breeding waders.
Early signs of recovery have already been recorded, with species including lapwing and terns seen using newly created islands and restored wetlands.
The project also worked with local communities, young people and underrepresented groups to help improve their access to nature.
A wheelchair accessible path enables more visitors to experience the coastal wetlands at RSPB Dungeness. Credit RSPB DungenessNature recovery takes time, but the Species Survival Fund has created stronger partnerships, restored habitats and laid foundations that will benefit wildlife and people for years to come.
Find out more by reading the final evaluation and project case studies.
seen at 14:30, 8 October in Environment.