Humberhead Levels

The Humberhead Levels Partnership is helping to create an internationally renowned, unique network of wetlands in a predominantly agricultural landscape, whilst supporting thriving communities and wildlife. A key aim is to work with local businesses, landowners, communities and other organisations to achieve sustainable land management practices.

New for 2022 - Nature for Climate Peatland Grant

• We are leading a project with Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, Doncaster Council & Natural England which Defra has awarded a £500,000 Nature for Climate Peatland Grant 
• The funding means we can carry out a range of surveys and monitoring in and around the areas of lowland peat in Thorne and Hatfield Moors National Nature Reserve. 
• Yorkshire Wildlife Trust will be focusing on the surrounding area or catchment of the River Torne near Hatfield Moor.
• Funding will help us investigate peat depth, soil condition, location mapping, habitat assessment and species population surveys.
• The baseline information we collect will help us pinpoint and draw down funding for future restoration works.
• The funding will also help the project organisations to work with local farmers and landowners to explore how future management of the water table, possible alternative agricultural practices and other land management solutions may protect the peat-based soils in the area.

What our previous projects have achieved so far
• The Humberhead Levels habitat is better, bigger, more and joined-up with 1190ha of habitat improved
• We successfully increased the number of breeding sites for two focal species - marsh harrier and bittern
• We worked with over 59 land owners and farmers
• We provided £76,000 of grants to land owners and farmers for wildlife work
• We demonstrated increased connectivity across the Humberhead Levels which has improved the environment for wildlife
• Over 46,000 volunteer hours have been recorded across the partnership 
• We set up a new network of Gateway Sites for visitors to the Humberhead Levels

Thanks to funding from WREN’s Biodiversity Action Fund, a donation from Habitat Aid and small grants from Natural England and North Linconlshire Council we are continuing to create, restore and improve a further 230ha of wetland habitat.

• Working with 15 different landowners to create areas where wildlife can move across and thrive
• Working with farmers to provide an additional £35,000 of grants for wildlife habitat creation
• Working with 13 different organisations to manage our existing nature reserves and wildlife corridors
• The Humberhead Levels Volunteer Team contribute around 3000 volunteer hours per year 
• Working with local Universities to better understand how wildlife connects across a landscape to help us target our future work
 

Volunteer with the Humberhead Levels Volunteer Team or come along to our public events. Contact helen.norford@ywt.org.uk for more information

WREN BAF, Natural England, North Lincolnshire Council, Habitat Aid