The University of Leeds: Nature Rich Miterdale: A Community- Led Landscape for Skills & Wellbeing

The grant award supports staff salaries, volunteer expenses & training over 2 years. Led by the University of Leeds, School of Earth and Environment department in partnership with Forestry England, the National Trust, and local stakeholders.

The University of Leeds: Nature Rich Miterdale: A Community- Led Landscape for Skills & Wellbeing

Date Approved: November 2025
Grant Awarded: £110,000 (Over 2 years)
Locality: Miterdale Valley

The grant award supports staff salaries, volunteer expenses & training over 2 years. Led by the University of Leeds, School of Earth and Environment department in partnership with Forestry England, the National Trust, and local stakeholders.

Nature Rich Miterdale is a, community-led conservation and skills development programme based in the Miterdale Valley, West Cumbria. The initiative aims to restore 200 hectares of wildlife-rich habitat while engaging local residents in nature-based volunteering, education, and employment pathways.

The project builds on the success of Hardknott Forest Restoration project and is designed to be inclusive, accessible, and impactful, particularly for individuals and communities with limited access to nature and green jobs.

Project Impacts

50
Volunteer events
600
Engaging volunteers in practical conservation activities.
4
Specialist staff who live locally and are essential to the delivery of the volunteer and skills programme to be employed
10
Additional Host site visits for community groups and partner organisations.
10
Site Visits with six local schools, engaging 150 school children in hands-on conservation activities at Miterdale.
8
Educational talks to raise awareness and deepen understanding of local environmental issues.
50
Individuals to be supported to upskill in practical, nature-based disciplines.

Project Impacts

  • Develop new practical skills
  • Strengthen social connections and improve health and wellbeing
  • Contribute meaningfully to the protection and restoration of native habitats
  • Have accessible opportunity to connect with nature and contribute to local environmental stewardship.
  • Expand economic opportunities in local environmental jobs
  • Equip participants with valuable, transferable skills in conservation and land stewardship
  • Encourage outdoor learning and connection with local habitats
  • Broaden access to environmental education across age groups and communities
  • Strengthen community involvement in protecting and restoring local ecosystems
  • Encourage volunteering as a pathway to employment
  • Equip people with skills for employment in conservation and green jobs
  • In addition, bespoke events will be organised for local groups and workplaces to broaden participation, with support from partners such as Growing Well to enhance signposting and accessibility.
  • Secure two existing Project Officer roles (for two-year grant period)
  • Create two new Project Assistant positions (for two-year grant period)