Connecting People and Landscapes - Phase 2

Connecting People and Landscapes (CPL) in a changing climate, led by the Bat Conservation Trust, completed a pilot project in Spring 2025*. Following a successful application to the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the second exciting phase of the project has started.

The project brings together farmers, landowners and communities across the South West and beyond to create a more resilient landscape in the face of a changing climate. 

Phase two works with partners, including DCT, and its aims are:

1. To conserve and protect nine threatened nocturnal mammal species, including seven species of bat, hedgehog and dormouse.
2. To promote and implement regenerative farming practices that improve biodiversity, ecosystem function, and landscape resilience to address the impact of climate change in agricultural landscapes.
3. To foster connection and cohesion between farmers and their local communities.
4. To increase community resilience through upskilling and nature connectedness.

Join us on 7th February for tree planting at Firebeacon Farm!

Small Community Grant Scheme

DCT is managing a Small Community Grant Scheme as a partner in the project. The purpose of the small grant scheme is to engage local community groups in the areas surrounding our focus farms. By providing financial support, we aim to foster a deeper connection between the community and local farms, encourage sustainable practices, and increase involvement in environmental and agricultural activities.

Applications will open early 2026!

Eligibility Criteria

• Applications should be from community groups located near the five focus farms: Springwater Farm, Gappah Farm, Hill Combe and Dairy, Ramsland Farm and Firebeacon Farm (see image)
• We will prioritise underserved communities, youth groups, and local community groups

Junior Landscape Surveyors

The Project will soon be recruiting Junior Landscape Surveyors - watch this space! This role is to encourage young and diverse talent into the conservation sector with no requirement for previous relevant experience. This post will primarily carry out field surveys, data analysis and office-based tasks as part of the project team and will include opportunities to shadow farm advisors on site visits.

*you can read the final report on DCT's work on the pilot project by clicking here

Using money raised by National Lottery players, The National Lottery Heritage Fund supports projects that connect people and communities with the UK’s heritage. Connecting People and Landscapes project is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we are working to bring together farmers and communities across Devon to create a more resilient landscape in the face of changing climate. John Swire 1989 Charitable Trust have provided Connecting People and Landscapes with funding to support its traineeships programme.