A new project that aims to deepen people’s connection to nature and increase awareness of climate change has been awarded £1.1 million from The National Lottery Community Fund.

Over the next five years, and thanks to the support of National Lottery players, River Esk Connect (REConnect) will see schools, community groups, and volunteers take part in learning days and conservation activities including wildlife surveys, invasive species control, river monitoring and hedge laying. The project aims to inspire people to take the lead with environmental activities in their own communities, ensuring the River Esk and surrounding area grows as a nature-rich landscape that is protected for future generations.

REConnect is led by a group of organisations including the North York Moors National Park Authority, Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, Groundwork, and the Yorkshire Marine Nature Partnership, bringing together experts in climate, ecology and community action.

The project area covers more than a third of the North York Moors National Park and includes moorland, woodland, river, estuary and farmland. It’s home to nationally important species such as kingfishers, salmon and water vole, not to mention the extremely rare and fascinating freshwater pearl mussel.

Briony Fox, Director of Conservation and Climate Change at the North York Moors National Park Authority, said: “We know that people feel strongly about our wildlife and nature, but they may not know how to engage with it or protect it. Public concern about pollution and the health of our rivers is also higher than ever before, and we’d like to harness that and allow everyone to take real, positive action in their local area.

“We will provide training opportunities, so that people can get involved with our work, but perhaps more importantly, we’ll look to inspire people to make small changes in their own homes and lives. Collectively these can make a massive difference to the environment, both locally and beyond.”

Alongside those living and working in the project area, new opportunities will be provided for tourists and visitors to ‘give back’ during their stay, such as taking part in easy-to-do volunteering activities such as litter picking or wildlife monitoring.

Increasing public awareness of climate change and how it damages nature is a key part of the project, as is how individuals can bring about and champion positive change.

It is hoped that the collaborative and community-led approach of REConnect will inspire other projects around the country, showcasing best practices and helping pave the way for further nature-recovery initiatives.

Ana Cowie, Marine Pollution Officer at Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, said: “We are excited to work in collaboration with others to tackle pollutants all the way from source to sea.

“Up to 80% of plastic in our seas come from land-based sources via rivers and coastlines, causing the death of more than a million seabirds and 100,000 marine mammals every year through entanglement and ingestion.

“We now need to zoom out and take a holistic view, working with others across the whole of Yorkshire to tackle this crisis.”

Claire Argent, Manager at Natural England and Chair of the Yorkshire Marine Nature Partnership Executive Board, said:

“We are delighted that the REConnect project has been successful in its bid; the opportunities and benefits that this project will bring for the local community and its wonderful natural environment are vast.

“Working together to raise public awareness of the area, educate and empower the community and support nature’s recovery will have long running benefits and lays strong foundations for a positive future.”

Hellen Hornby Project Development Manager at Groundwork said: “We are delighted to be playing our part in delivering the ecological and environmental elements of this project. The funding will enable us to create nine ‘green’ jobs and training opportunities for local people from rural communities. We will work with local community groups, schools and the public on a variety of engagement activities all linked to efforts to tackle climate change and encourage people to change their attitudes and actions and to do something good to minimise climate impact.

“Our focus will be ensuring that the money and our efforts benefit the local North Yorkshire community within the Esk catchment area."

Anyone interested in getting involved should contact Groundwork at hellen.hornby@groundwork.org.uk.