In 2004 an ambitious partnership project was set up to enhance the important wet grassland habitats of the Ribble floodplain between Long Preston and Settle – also known as the ‘Long Preston Deeps’. The project is called the Long Preston Wet Grassland Project (LPWGP).
With the vital support of local farmers the project aims to:
- Improve the physical and ecological health of the River Ribble and its wet grassland habitat, to benefit wading birds, wildfowl and other wildlife
- Create opportunities for the local economy to benefit from this valuable natural resource
- Improve access to the area for people to learn about the grassland, its birds, wildlife and management.
The partnership
Key partners in the Long Preston Wet Grassland Project are: the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust, Natural England, Environment Agency, North Yorkshire County Council and the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority.
Wildlife
The Long Preston Wet Grassland Project (LPWGP) area provides valuable habitat for nationally important wading birds and aquatic plants. In spring 2010 RSPB volunteers carried out a Wading Birds Survey (WeBS) repeating surveys in 2003 and 2007. This included species such as Curlew, Redshank, Snipe and Lapwing. The project is also important for winter wildfowl such as teal, widgeon and pintail populations.
Farmers
Managing the wetland environment is essential to help create the ideal conditions for bird populations. Land in the project area is owned and managed by local farmers, who play a vital role.
LPWGP works with farmers to show how effective wetland management can provide financial returns as well as benefitting local wildlife. The RSPB employs an advisor through funding from the EA who has been assisting farmers to access agri-environment grant schemes. Much of the land in the floodplain (over 115 hectares) is now managed through Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) or Organic Schemes, which provides annual and capital payments to farmers for restoring the wetland and other features in the floodplain.
Schools
The project has unlocked a valuable educational resource. As a nationally important conservation site and Site of Special Scientific Interest, it attracts conservationists, historical groups and researchers and provides a unique opportunity for school children and students to learn about the area.
Jane Lait, Rathmell Primary School teacher, commented ‘Our children are discovering more about the Long Preston floodplain and appreciating the importance and value of the wet grassland as a habitat for a wide variety of plant and animal species. Many of these children are from families within the local farming community and already have a connection with the area. Our children are part of the wet grassland at present - but could also be the guardians of its future.’
Visitors
Visitors can already enjoy improved access to the ‘Deeps’ wet grassland area, with a new ‘Long Preston Wetland Trail’ being developed and more work planned to improve footpaths, walls, stiles and car parking. A set of six new information boards have been installed at local pubs and railway stations to highlight distinctive features of the area. These improvements are supported by a £20,000 grant from the Yorkshire Dales LEADER programme
Find out more
Visit the Long Preston Wet Grassland Project website for more information www.longprestonwetgrasslandproject.co.uk
The funding for this project is being made available through the Rural Development Programme for England, which is jointly funded by Defra and the European Union.
Click here to find out more about European Funding.