The National Lottery Heritage Fund has announced that three National Landscapes in England, and two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Northern Ireland (AONBs), have been awarded over £5 million of development funding between them through its ambitious Landscape Connections programme. 

Arnside & Silverdale, Cornwall and Shropshire Hills National Landscapes, along with Mourne and the Ring of Guillion and Strangford and Lecale AONBs, will all receive this initial injection of funding with the potential for a further £42.6m in delivery grants.

Landscape Connections is a £150m, 10-year investment to help designated protected landscapes and other world-class landscapes across the UK to become better for nature and people. 

John Watkins, Chief Executive of the National Landscapes Association, said: “This is fantastic news and a real testament to the vision, dedication and partnership working of the teams. 

"All five projects demonstrate exactly what National Landscapes do so well, bringing communities together, restoring nature, celebrating heritage and creating opportunities for people to connect more deeply with the places they love. Thanks to National Lottery players, this funding will help ensure these special landscapes continue to thrive for generations to come. We look forward to seeing the lasting impact these projects will have for people, nature and place."

Cornwall National Landscape spans 12 separate areas across the county. The project, which is partnering with the National Trust, will focus on wetlands and habitats in Hartland, Bodmin Moor, the Lizard and Pentire to Widemouth and Tintagel. The grant of more than £1m development funding will help reconnect nature-rich habitats at scale and inspire people to care for Cornwall's natural heritage.

Arnside & Silverdale National Landscape is internationally recognised for its rich habitats and wildlife but faces growing pressures from climate change, habitat loss and increasing visitor demand. With over £1m in development funding awarded to a consortium of partners within the area, and the potential for a further £8m in delivery funding, the project will investigate how best to restore nature, improve access and help ensure the landscape remains resilient and welcoming to all.

Mourne Gullion is one of Northern Ireland's most distinctive landscapes but faces increasing challenges from wildfires, pollution and pressures on land use. With £1.1m in development funding awarded and the potential for a further £8.7m in delivery funding, the project will bring together farmers, landowners and communities to restore habitats, strengthen resilience and reconnect people with its rich natural and cultural heritage.

Thousands of years of geology, land use and rural tradition have shaped the Shropshire Hills National Landscape.The project will bring together farmers, communities and young people to improve habitats and strengthen ecological networks. The team has been awarded £993,475 in development funding to support long-term stewardship while helping more people connect with nature and heritage.

Strangford and Lecale is one of Northern Ireland's most important coastal landscapes, facing growing pressures from climate change and habitat fragmentation. With over £800,000 in development funding awarded, and the potential for a further £8.8m in delivery funding, the project will create a more connected landscape by restoring habitats at scale and supporting communities to lead nature recovery.

Eilish McGuinness, Chief Executive of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “Our landscapes are facing unprecedented challenges, from climate change to biodiversity loss, and meeting them requires action at scale and collaboration across boundaries.

“The landscapes, habitats and natural environments we value are an important part of our shared heritage. Through Landscape Connections, we want to help ensure these places are valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future. These projects demonstrate the ambition, innovation and partnership needed to secure the future of our treasured landscapes, while laying the foundations for long-term nature recovery and stronger connections between people and nature.”