A pioneering landscape-scale programme that has brought farmers, communities and conservation organisations together to create a brighter future for nature is celebrating six years of achievements across the North Pennines and Yorkshire Dales.

Spanning 845 square kilometres of some of England's most treasured upland landscapes, Tees-Swale: naturally connected has demonstrated what can be achieved when people work together with a shared ambition to create healthier, more connected landscapes for nature and people.

Funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and jointly led by the North Pennines National Landscape team and Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, the programme has delivered six years of habitat restoration, wildlife conservation, community engagement and skills development.

At its heart have been the farmers and land managers whose knowledge, experience and commitment have helped shape the programme from the outset.

By bringing together improvements at individual farm and field level, the project has delivered change on a much greater scale, with monitoring already revealing positive results for wildlife, habitat condition and water quality.

Chris Woodley-Stewart, Director of North Pennines National Landscape, said: "One of the biggest achievements of Tees-Swale: naturally connected has been showing what is possible when people work together at a landscape scale. With farmers and land managers at the centre of the project, and bringing together a wide range of partners, together we have all made gains for nature while building the relationships and trust needed for future success.

"The nature and wildlife benefits created through the programme across thousands of hectares are significant, and although monitoring shows impact already, these enhancements will only increase over time as habitats become more established. 

"Through Tees-Swale we have helped more people understand just how special these upland landscapes are, the wildlife they support and some of the people who help shape and sustain them."

But the programme's achievements extend far beyond the landscape itself. Through traineeships, volunteering, training and community events, people of all ages have developed new skills, discovered opportunities and strengthened their connections with nature, farming and the area's rich natural and cultural heritage.

And while the funded programme has now concluded, its legacy is set to continue. The relationships, knowledge and partnerships built over the past six years have created strong foundations for future collaboration, while teams across both protected landscapes will continue supporting farmers and land managers in caring for these special places.

Tees-Swale: naturally connected is a powerful example of what long-term investment, local knowledge and shared ambition can achieve – not just for the landscapes we treasure today, but for the generations who will care for them tomorrow.