The Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Partnership has received initial support from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to develop a volunteering project it was announced today (Tuesday 3rd November). The project aims to increase the number and range of opportunities for volunteers on the Northumberland coast, and has been developed by the AONB Partnership working with Northumberland Wildlife Trust and Seahouses Development Trust.
One of the main objectives of the project is will be to match individuals or groups of volunteers to conservation work that will enhance the natural beauty, wildlife habitats or historic features of the coast It will also provide training and support to enable volunteers to increase their skills and to get the most out of the time that they put into the project.
Re-establishing the Young Rangers group and piloting an innovative community champions scheme are also important elements of the bid. Funding of £13,500 has been awarded to enable the Northumberland Coast AONB Partnership to appoint a consultant to develop the project. This phase will include developing the project aims and initiatives, delivering taster sessions and running consultation events.
Cllr John Woodman, Chair of the AONB Partnership, said “We are delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund has decided to support this project. The Northumberland coast is a very special place and working together we can make sure it remains so. “We know that there are many people who live on the coast or nearby who want to help to improve the area, and we can’t afford to keep turning them away. This project will match those people to jobs that need doing to conserve wildlife habitats, preserve historic buildings or just improve the area in which they live, and will help them to get the most out of the time that they give.
Explaining the importance of the HLF support, Ivor Crowther, HLF regional manager said, “The Heritage of the Northumberland coast is unique. Nowhere else can you see so many castles and other evidence of 8000 years of human inhabitation side-by side with internationally important areas for wildlife in a place where many people live and work.
This project will engage people in protecting and enhancing this wonderful place and that is why HLF is pleased to support it.” The HLF grant will fund the development phase which will last about eight months and will culminate in the submission of an application to HLF for funding to support a three-year delivery phase.
Consultants interested in tendering to carry out the development phase should speak to Iain Robson at the Northumberland Coast AONB Partnership on 01670 622660.