The Doddington Hall Conservation Charity has been awarded initial support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund for the Wilder Connections project. Made possible by National Lottery players, the project aims to develop a wide range of programmes designed to broaden access to and deepen engagement with nature; and to create opportunities for young people to gain skills to help them get fulfilling nature-based/outdoor jobs and take advantage of new career opportunities arising from changing agriculture and environmental policy.
Development funding of £185,000 has been awarded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund to help progress plans to apply for a full National Lottery grant at a later date.
In 2021, the Doddington Estate embarked on Wilder Doddington, a 100-year nature recovery project which has been supported by a Natural England Countryside Stewardship Scheme, it is the largest such ‘wilding’ scheme in the East Midlands, becoming the largest inland nature area in Greater Lincolnshire, providing many ecological services such as increased biodiversity, carbon sequestration, cleaner water and reduced flooding.
Wilder Connections aims to realise the huge opportunities to build nature-based social, educational and wider economic benefits on the back of the nature recovery at Wilder Doddington by working in partnership with local and national community and educational organisations.
Saturday 28 January 2023, 10am – 5pm
Using money raised by the National Lottery, The National Lottery Heritage Fund inspires, leads and resources the UK’s heritage to create positive and lasting change for people and communities, now and in the future: www.heritagefund.org.uk
Each week, thanks to National Lottery players, £30 million is raised for good causes across the UK.
To build the Wilder Doddington visitor base, increasing its inclusivity and diversity.
To broaden access to and deepen engagement with nature.
To create opportunities, for young people to gain skills and experience that can help them get fulfilling nature-based/outdoor jobs and take advantage of new career opportunities arising from changing agriculture and environmental policy.
We have partnered with the Field Studies Council, GB’s premier organisation for environmental education, to develop a programme of visits from local primary and secondary schools; adult education; and Young Darwin bursaries for less advantaged learners.
“We are thrilled to work with Doddington” said Julian Free, Deputy Vice Chancellor at the University of Lincoln. “Wilder Doddington provides an excellent field site for us, and through Wilder Connections we will be able to connect a much wider range of students and staff with this beautiful location and build the knowledge and skills needed for a healthy future for citizens and the planet.”
