Adapting the Levels Landscape Recovery Project
What is the project all about?
Adapting the Levels is a partnership project dedicated to bringing together and supporting those who live and work in parts of the Brue Valley on the Somerset Levels.
As one of Defra's first pioneering Landscape Recovery projects in England, Adapting the Levels aims to facilitate the delivery of landscape-scale environmental and social benefits. Ultimately, the project will develop a suite of adaptation options to plot a course through the challenges of climate change and economic uncertainty.
Adapting the Levels project area
The project area covers over 5,000 hectares and sits within the River Brue catchment, between Burnham-on-Sea and Glastonbury. 15 landowners have signed up for the project, which equates to a total of just over 1,000 hectares of land. Most of the project outcomes will occur within these geographic boundaries, however there is also scope to work with communities in the surrounding area.
Sustainable food systems are underpinned by a healthy environment and thriving wildlifeThe Wildlife Trusts
A collaborative approach
Under this project, landowners, farmers and DEFRA are working together with the Somerset Wildlife Trust to explore how working with nature can bring a variety of benefits, including protecting peat resources to reduce carbon emissions, improving water quality and adapting to climate change. The project is also looking at developing sustainable green finance mechanisms to support landowners and communities in making long-term changes.
Community Engagement
The community living in the project area plays a vital role. People’s voices and visions for a restored landscape will help shape the overall strategy and contribute towards a more connected landscape and a thriving community that is resilient to climate change and economic uncertainty.
If you have any questions about the project, or would like to find out ways to get involved, please contact Thibaud Sulzer, Nature Recovery Community Engagement Officer by emailing thibaud.sulzer@somersetwildlife.org
Look out for updates and upcoming events below that will provide further information on how to get involved.