National Lottery Grants for Heritage – £3,000 to £10,000
Throughout the project, 59 participants made 2,313 observations of 774 different species which were all recorded using the iNaturalist app. This led to the confirmation that, for first time in several years, otters are present in the Valley, alongside endangered white-clawed crayfish.
The funding has enabled the Meanwood Road Project team to recruit participants and volunteers, buy specialist equipment (such as moth traps) and access specialist expertise to help identify the more challenging species.
National Lottery funding really helped boost the project and enabled us to take it to the next level.
Cluny Macpherson, local volunteer
The project concluded with the launch of an outdoor exhibition along a wall on Meanwood Road. This features information about the natural heritage of the Valley and the discoveries made during the project.
A final report and evaluation are linked with a research project which will help identify the next steps in supporting the natural heritage ambassadors to protect the habitats and species of the patch.
Local volunteer Cluny Macpherson said “National Lottery funding really helped boost the project and enabled us to take it to the next level. It has succeeded in building a local community dedicated to protecting the biodiversity on our doorstep.”
