The decline of pollinators, threats facing trees and new habits for birds of prey are the subjects of projects across the East of England receiving a share of £300,000 of funding.

Thanks to National Lottery players, five schemes will put communities in charge of the future of natural treasures on their doorsteps.

1. Moments with trees

People in Peterborough will sow the seeds of a healthy future for Nene Park’s trees – which are at risk from disease and under-management. Volunteers will help assess the park’s trees, discover why they are so important and learn what can be done to help them thrive.

2. All the buzz with bees

Young people in Bury St Edmunds will team up with University of East Anglia researchers to explore the life cycle of bees, the threats they face and what we need to do to save them.

3. Pollinating ponds

Broxbourne communities will enhance habitats around historic Cedars Park pond, to give pollinating insects and bats a place to flourish. Historic plants will be reinstated to celebrate the pond’s place in history as a key part of James I’s Theobald’s Palace.

4. Flying high with falcons

Curious bird watchers will be recruited to keep an eye on peregrine falcons roosting in Norfolk Cathedral. The birds of prey are becoming increasingly adapted to survive in an urban environment and the boost in volunteer power will enable data on their behaviour, diet and breeding activities to be recorded and shared.

5. Wonders of the river

School groups in Norfolk will get hands-on with the natural heritage of the River Wensum and the creatures that live in it. A new pond-dipping platform and river hide will be built in the Pensthorpe Estate to allow young people to understand the river’s importance and the pressures our waterways are under.

Celebrating natural heritage in the East of England

Robyn Llewellyn, Head of HLF East of England, said: “Whether roosting in a cathedral, buzzing round a pond or growing in a park, our natural world is something to be treasured and enjoyed. It is also something that we all need to play a role in protecting for the future.

“Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, we’re pleased to support these projects which will equip people of all ages with the skills – and the inspiration – to appreciate, celebrate and protect our wonderful natural heritage.”

Follow HLF East of England on Twitter to find out how you can get involved in protecting our natural world.