North East Lincolnshire Council has been given £250,000 by The National Lottery Heritage Fund to support the Dynamic Understanding of the Natural Environment project to explore options to save and better protect the fragile coastline.
It will also support opportunities to increase access, inclusion and participation for local communities and visitors through an activities and education programme.
DUNE focuses on North East Lincolnshire’s coastline, in particular the natural salt marsh and sand dune environments of Cleethorpes on the south bank of the Humber, which include internationally important habitats and is a Site of Special Scientific Interest.
Investing in skills and capacity to maintain the heritage asset is central to the project, with the recruitment of a Research and Engagement Advisor. This post will build knowledge and relations across the area and develop future activities, including working with schools and using new digital technologies increasing access to information and heritage. A Coastal Ranger will also come on board to help protect the most sensitive areas of the SSSI, support ecological and bird surveys and educational activities.
Building on five years of targeted funding, this latest award comes as we celebrate a £10million milestone. Between 2019-2024 North East Lincolnshire was an ‘Area of Focus’, meaning they received targeted support to apply for project funding. It has since become one of the places in our Heritage Places initiative, receiving support over 10 years and allowing opportunities for wider funding. This new funding is part of Heritage Places allowing North East Lincolnshire Council to build upon their status by investing in natural heritage.
Helen Featherstone of The National Lottery Heritage Fund said: “At the Heritage Fund, we believe in the power of heritage to create positive and lasting change, now and in the future. We know that when our investments contribute to the long-term vision for a place, the benefits can be profound and long-lasting for its local community, visitors, and economy.
“So, it is wonderful news that thanks to National Lottery players, the Heritage Fund’s support in the ‘DUNE’ project has taken our total investment across North East Lincolnshire since 2019 to an impressive £10million.
“Working with North East Lincolnshire Council has allowed us to understand the long term heritage ambitions of the areas. North East Lincolnshire remains a priority for the Heritage Fund through our initiative “Heritage Places”; a ten year programme to continue to support the heritage aspirations of the area, which leave a legacy for all to enjoy.”
