The funding will support the Trust's project, "Taking Small Positive Steps for Nature and the Environment", helping a growing network of farmers learn, share knowledge and deliver environmental improvements across more than 32,500 hectares of land.

The project will work with 115 farmers across the three Sustainable Farming Groups in Warwickshire (Arden, Leam & Upper Avon, and South Warwickshire), covering around 14.5% of the land area of Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull. Through a programme of workshops, expert talks, demonstrations and farm visits, farmers will be supported to take practical actions that benefit wildlife, improve soil health, strengthen water management and help tackle the impacts of climate change.

With approximately 64% of Warwickshire's land in agricultural use, farmers have a critical role to play in nature recovery and the recent extreme weather made more frequent as a result of the climate emergency means its never been more important for farmers to adapt their food growing systems. The project builds on a successful farmer-led community that Warwickshire Wildlife Trust has supported since 2018, creating opportunities for land managers to learn from one another and implement environmental improvements on their own farms. 

The group's achievements to date demonstrate the power of collective action. Members have enhanced and restored 88 hectares of wildflower meadow, carried out soil health monitoring across 72 fields, installed 20 owl boxes, created 120 tree sparrow nest boxes, grown 17 tonnes of wild bird seed, and adopted woodland management and hedge-laying techniques that benefit wildlife and habitats at a landscape scale.

Ian Jelley, Director of Landscape Recovery at Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, said:

"We are delighted that The National Lottery Community Fund has chosen to support this project. Thanks to National Lottery players, we can continue helping farmers come together to share ideas, learn from experts and take practical action for nature.

The success of this network shows that many small positive steps can add up to significant change. By supporting farmers across Warwickshire, we can improve habitats for wildlife, strengthen resilience to climate change and create lasting environmental benefits for future generations."

The project will also help strengthen rural communities by reducing isolation and creating opportunities for farmers, young farmers, agricultural students and local community groups to connect through shared learning and environmental action. 

Warwickshire Wildlife Trust hopes the project will inspire even more farmers to become involved in the Sustainable Farming Groups and demonstrate how collaborative, locally led action can deliver meaningful change for wildlife and the environment. 

Want to find out more about Warwickshire's Sustainable Farming Groups?

Farmer clusters provide a great opportunity for farmers and land managers to come together as a community, share knowledge and experiences, and learn best practice for managing their farms and businesses. Our sustainable farming groups help farmers to enhance wildlife, soil health and water quality while maintaining productive, resilient farm businesses.