Representatives from a major conservation project in Northamptonshire, Peterborough and Huntingdonshire are attending a special event in London today (26th March) to mark the first anniversary of England’s Nature Improvement Area (NIA) programme.

Jeff Ollerton, Professor of Biodiversity at the University of Northampton, said:

The Nene Valley NIA project is a once in a generation opportunity to establish the Nene Valley as  a flagship region which delivers not just nature conservation but also the ecosystem services on which our society depends.   The University of Northampton is delighted to be part of this collaboration with the Wildlife Trust and the other partners.

Wigeon Anas penelope, at Bowling Green Marsh RSPB reserve (Andy Hay, rspb-images.com)

The aim of the NIA projects is to improve the landscape for people and nature through restoring, expanding and joining up wildlife-rich areas.

Today’s Forum in London will enable the 12 NIA partnership groups to share details and learning on the wide-ranging work they are doing to restore nature on a landscape scale.

For further information on this event, please see the official press release.