A new partnership for woodland, heritage and communities
Roots of Kesteven is an exciting new partnership project led by Lincolnshire County Council. It aims to celebrate, protect and enhance the rich woodland, natural and cultural heritage of the Kesteven area.
The project covers parts of North and South Kesteven, including the Kesteven Uplands landscape between Grantham, Stamford, Bourne and Sleaford. This distinctive area is known for its ancient woodlands, historic parklands, limestone villages, wildlife-rich habitats and centuries of history.
Roots of Kesteven is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, the partnership has secured funding for a two-year scoping and feasibility phase. During this stage, local communities, landowners, organisations and specialists will work together to develop a shared vision and prepare proposals for a future long-term landscape programme.
What are we trying to achieve?
Our vision is a resilient and connected landscape where woodlands, heritage and communities thrive together.
We want to:
- restore and improve the management of woodlands
- protect and celebrate the area's rich heritage
- improve habitats for wildlife and strengthen ecological networks
- explore opportunities for better access and recreation
- support traditional rural and heritage skills
- encourage volunteering, learning and community participation
- help people discover and enjoy the stories of the Kesteven landscape
- build strong partnerships that can attract future investment
What will happen during the scoping and feasibility phase?
Over the next two years we will:
- carry out studies of the area's natural heritage, historic environment, access and recreation opportunities
- engage with landowners, farmers and woodland managers
- work with local communities, schools and volunteer groups
- investigate woodland management, deer impacts and habitat connectivity
- explore opportunities for heritage interpretation and learning
- assess future project options, benefits and risks
- develop a long-term vision and delivery plan for the area
Importantly, this phase is about listening, gathering evidence and building partnerships. No major delivery projects have been agreed at this stage. The work will help identify the opportunities that have the greatest benefit for nature, heritage and local communities.
Working with local communities
Community participation sits at the heart of Roots of Kesteven.
The project will work with residents, schools, community groups, volunteers and local organisations to better understand what people value about the landscape and how they would like to see it develop in the future. Engagement activities will take place across the project area, including market towns and rural villages.
We are particularly interested in hearing local stories, exploring heritage, identifying opportunities for volunteering and developing ideas that can shape future projects.
Project partners
The project is led by us and is being developed in partnership with:
- The Woodland Trust
- Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust
- North Kesteven District Council
- South Kesteven District Council
A wide range of other organisations, landowners, community groups and stakeholders will also be involved as the project develops.
Project team
Recruitment to the dedicated project team is currently underway.
A project development officer and community heritage officer will be appointed to lead the day-to-day delivery of the scoping and feasibility phase. Once in post, they will work closely with partners, landowners, communities and volunteers across the project area.
Get involved
We are at the beginning of an exciting journey.
Over the coming months there will be opportunities to take part in events, share local knowledge, contribute ideas and help shape the future of the Roots of Kesteven landscape.
Further information will be added to this page as the project develops and the project team comes into post.
Funding
Roots of Kesteven is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Thanks to National Lottery players, Lincolnshire County Council and its partners have secured funding to develop the evidence base, partnerships and community support needed to help shape the future of the Kesteven landscape.
Contact
Lincolnshire County Council Environment Team
Place
Lancaster House
36 Orchard Street
Lincoln
LN1 1XX
Telephone: 01522 782 070
