A MULTI million pound project to conserve and celebrate part of the North Pennines can progress after receiving its first National Lottery handout.

The FellFoot Forward Landscape Partnership Scheme, which is led by the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Partnership, focuses on the fellside and valley landscapes between Hallbankgate and Melmberby, in Cumbria.

It will bring together community archaeology, management and creation of woods and grasslands, and conservation of historic buildings.

Community involvement and public participation will be key to the project.

A grant of £162,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund will cover an 18 month development phase to fine tune plans in collaboration with local people. It is then in line for a further £2m to fund the scheme from 2019 to 2023.

Last week the project appointed development officers Emma Wright and Fiona Knox, who worked on the AONB Partnership’s successful Allen Valleys Landscape Partnership Scheme, who will work closely with local communities.

And Vivien Kent, who has delivered projects for both Heart of Teesdale and Limestone Landscapes Partnership projects, was appointed as environmental officer. She will liaise with landowners to develop projects.

Fiona Knox said: “We have a host of public events planned, to follow up on the initial consultation work we did with local people. "Through Fellfoot Forward we plan to help communities and partners in the local area to make the most of their heritage assets which will strengthen the visitor economy.

"We will also be supporting communities to develop sustainable options for future activity.”

Emma Wright said: “Greater access to heritage sites helps residents and visitors to gain a clearer understanding of this fellside area’s significant cultural history.

"Fellfoot Forward will also have a strong emphasis on habitat and species conservation, with a focus on the plants and wildlife that help to make this area special.”

Drew Bennellick, HLF Head of Landscape and Natural Heritage, said: “Across the UK people are increasingly realising that nature is in trouble and it’s time to take a more proactive approach.

"Schemes like these provide a creative solution to helping people reconnect with landscapes and the environment, to implement solutions at a truly landscape-scale and tackle issues such as soil loss and flooding by supporting partnerships and coalitions of the willing.”

The AONB Partnership’s Programme Development Manager, Andy Lees, said: “This is a really exciting time for everyone involved. "We’re thrilled that the all-important grant from the HLF means we are now able to start the detailed work to bring everyone’s ideas to life.

“The fellside area boasts outstanding natural and built heritage that will benefit from sympathetic management, increased care and interpretation. With this money, and the help of a wide range of partners, we aim to breathe new life into the area.”

With additional match funding, more than £3.4M could be eventually injected into the local economy through the scheme, including the creation of two-full time jobs and a series of year-long traineeships.

To get involved call 01388-528801.