A project aimed at restoring nature and improving access across one of Lancashire's most important landscapes has been awarded more than £1 million in National Lottery funding.
The Arnside & Silverdale National Landscape, which straddles the Lancashire and Cumbria border, has secured £1,024,129 in development funding through The National Lottery Heritage Fund's Landscape Connections programme.
Covering almost 30 square miles, the protected area is home to internationally important habitats, including rare limestone pavement and the tidal landscapes of Morecambe Bay.
However, it faces challenges, including habitat loss, pressures from tourism, and the effects of climate change.
The funding will allow partners to develop detailed plans ahead of a potential delivery grant worth up to £8m.
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The project is being led by the Morecambe Bay Partnership charity, working alongside the Arnside & Silverdale National Landscape Partnership, National Trust, RSPB, and Lancashire Wildlife Trust.
Plans include training volunteers in citizen science and ecology, helping young people develop skills for careers in nature recovery, supporting landscape-scale conservation projects, and creating a visitor management strategy.
Sarah Mason, chief executive of Morecambe Bay Partnership, said: "With generous support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, we will gather robust evidence of need and create a shared vision for the project with our community."
The project was awarded funding on June 24 and is based in Silverdale, within the Lancaster district.
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