Agenda item

We received a report requesting support for the submission of a Development Phase application to the National Lottery Heritage Fund Landscape Connections programme, following the success of the Expression of Interest for the Field to Flow project proposal.

In doing so, the following information was noted:

·        Landscape Connections is a competitive grant programme open to National Landscapes and National Parks provided by the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF).

·        Projects can be up to 10 years (with 2 years development plus 8 years delivery) and up to a maximum of £10million.

·        In March 2026 the Wye Valley National Landscape Team submitted an Expression of Interest for a proposed ‘Field to Flow’ project that would work with farmers and landowners and local communities to deliver transformative change across (sub) catchments flowing directly into the Wye Valley National Landscape.

·        The ‘Field to Flow’ Expression of Interest outlined a 2 year Development Phase estimated at £467,000 followed by an 8 year Delivery Phase with a value of £12,674,000.

·        In April 2026 NLHF confirmed the success of the ‘Field to Flow’ Expression of Interest and invited a full application within 12 months.

·        A consultant will be procured to assist with the application process over the next 9 months.  The proposed ‘Field to Flow’ project will be refined through liaison and workshops with key partners and stakeholder including the Wye Catchment Partnership, Farm Herefordshire, Wye & Usk Foundation, Wyescapes Project Board, the Wildlife Trusts, local Food Partnerships, NFU, FUW, CLA and other interested farmers and land managers.

·        This is an opportunity to work cross-border at landscape scale to address key challenges facing the Wye Valley National Landscape.

The JAC received an update on the Field to Flow Landscape Connections project, a proposed National Lottery Heritage Fund bid that aims to reconnect local communities with farming, food production, rivers, and the wider landscape. An initial expression of interest was submitted in March 2026 and has successfully passed the first stage, allowing the project team to proceed with a full application. The programme offers access to up to £10 million in funding, with a proposed structure of a two-year development phase followed by an eight-year delivery programme. The full application must be submitted by April 2027.

The proposed project focuses on strengthening links between communities and the agricultural landscape by promoting local food production, procurement, education, and sustainable land management. Central to the proposal is improving the health of the landscape and river catchments that feed into the River Wye. The geographical focus covers the tributaries flowing into the National Landscape area, creating opportunities to work with farmers, landowners, schools, community groups, and environmental organisations across the catchment.

It was noted that some areas have been excluded from the project to avoid duplication with other major initiatives already under development. The River Monnow catchment has been omitted because its lower reaches lie outside the National Landscape boundary and because the Wye and Usk Foundation is developing a substantial flood management and green finance project in the area. Similarly, the Wyescapes Landscape Recovery Project is progressing through Defra assessment and could provide long-term environmental funding in parts of the wider catchment.

JAC Members were advised that the coming months will focus on developing the detailed application through consultation with landowners, farming representatives, local communities, and specialist consultants. If the bid is successful, significant resources could become available to support environmental improvements, sustainable farming practices, community engagement, and river restoration activities across the area. However, it was noted that delivery is still several years away, with considerable work required before funding can be secured.

During discussion, JAC members highlighted the competitive nature of the funding programme and asked how the project could distinguish itself from bids being developed elsewhere in the country. It was suggested that reconnecting people with food production, nature, and landscapes provides a strong theme, while citizen science programmes that engage communities in monitoring river health could become a significant strength of the application. It was acknowledged that the proposal would continue to evolve during the development process as opportunities and priorities are refined.

Questions were also raised about County Council-owned farmland and whether local authority land could contribute to the project. While officers were not aware of significant council farm estates within the project area, they agreed this was an issue worth exploring. An officer from Monmouthshire County Council highlighted opportunities to align the project with existing food partnership initiatives and recently awarded climate action funding, creating further opportunities for collaboration across the region.

Discussion focussed on the growing impact of climate change on farming and land management. It was noted that there was increasing interest among farmers in measures such as water retention, natural flood management, tree planting, agroforestry, hedgerows, and shade provision for livestock. These practices are becoming more attractive as farmers adapt to warmer temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and flood risks. The project would seek to deliver environmental benefits while supporting practical farming needs.

The role of citizen science was also emphasised, particularly in monitoring water quality across tributaries feeding into the River Wye. The ambitions to expand monitoring networks to build a more comprehensive understanding of pollution sources and river health were noted. This evidence would support both the funding application and future targeting of interventions to achieve measurable improvements in water quality.

We resolved to endorse the preparation and submission by the Wye Valley National Landscape Team of a Field to Flow Development Phase application to the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) Landscape Connections programme.