We are delighted to announce that National Highways has awarded almost £500,000 to the Dunsmore Living Landscape Partnership scheme through its Network for Nature programme.

The ‘Natural Highways and Homes’ project will work with public and private landowners across the area, from east Coventry to Rugby and north Leamington Spa, improving habitats and making space for nature. Work will include restoring and reinstating lost hedges, new woodland planting and wildflower grassland creation. Derelict ponds will be brought back to life and other wetlands improved. There will also be a programme of opportunities for volunteers and local residents to get involved in taking action for nature.

Lucy Hawker, Dunsmore Living Landscape Scheme Manager, said: “At a time when our wildlife is under so much threat from climate change and habitat loss, we are extremely pleased to receive this funding from National Highways. It’s great to be working with new landowners, whilst also building on achievements with existing partners.”

Ben Coleman, Specialist Habitat Ranger for Warwickshire Country Parks, said: “We are very grateful to our partners at Warwickshire Wildlife Trust’s Dunsmore Living Landscape team for securing this important funding on our behalf. Works at Ryton Pools Country Park will increase floral diversity. This will provide opportunities for pollinators and insects in general, with associated benefits for wildlife further up the food chain.”

Cllr Howard Roberts, Portfolio Holder for Leisure & Wellbeing at Rugby Borough Council said: “We are delighted to hear that Warwickshire Wildlife Trust have secured such significant funding for the Dunsmore Living Landscape Partnership Scheme and look forward to the projects kick starting in 2023. The funding will support the Council’s net zero and biodiversity ambitions and thank Warwickshire Wildlife Trust for their continued improvement of the green and open spaces across the borough of Rugby and beyond.”