A river runs through it: blue spaces dominate latest 15.6m funding for nature projects

• Eleven projects across the UK have been awarded a share of £15.6million from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to take action for nature 
  
  
• Lifeline for rivers, lakes and the species that live in them including the lagoon sand shrimp and little Ramshorn whirlpool snail 

• Many other threatened landscapes including woodland, parks and cemeteries also set to benefit

As scientists warn that drying rivers this summer are due to climate change, some of the UK’s rivers and lakes have been handed a helping hand by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, which today announces £14.4m funding for nature projects across the UK, as well as £1.25m development funding for a further five projects.

The plans to revitalise rivers and lakes include restoring priority wetlands, caring for habitats to save species and increase biodiversity and enhancing the importance of rivers in connecting and revitalising urban spaces and inspiring communities to protect, enjoy and learn from them.

In total, eleven projects will inspire communities and volunteers to play an integral part in securing a bright and thriving future for our natural world including:

• Rivers in the Eden Valley, Cumbria (£181,190 development funding towards a grant of £2,071,597)

Access to Eden will break down the physical, social and cultural barriers that prevent people from accessing the natural heritage of the Eden Valley, which covers the urban centres of Carlisle, Penrith, Appleby, and Kirkby Stephen. The project will remove barriers for Eden’s special wildlife, connect habitats and promote nature recovery. The river Eden is home to more species than any other in the UK, including six stamened water-wort and white clawed crayfish.

Eilish McGuinness, Chief Executive, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “I’m delighted that we are providing such significant support to projects which recognise the vital role of rivers and lakes as the lifeblood and heartland of communities. These projects, as well as a raft of others focused on our woodlands, parks and gardens, will help to ensure our natural heritage is preserved and enhanced for the benefit of all, thanks to National Lottery players.”

Since 1994, The National Lottery Heritage Fund has awarded over £1.8billion to more than 4,200 land, nature and biodiversity projects across the UK.

Elizabeth Radford, Chief Executive, Eden Rivers Trust, said: “We are delighted to receive this funding to develop our Access to Eden project - breaking barriers and building bridges. It means we can work with a greater variety of partners – and with them we can co- create conservation and engagement activities that help more people know and love the Eden and be enthused and empowered to help with its conservation.”

For more information on this and the other projects awarded funding visit the Heritage Lottery Heritage Fund website.