The Access for All funding programme aims to improve access to green and blue spaces across England. Defra has committed £14.5m to make targeted access improvements in our Protected Landscapes (National Parks & National Landscapes / AONBs), national trails, forests, and the wider countryside to help bring the benefits of spending time in nature to everyone.
Defra has subsequently made available additional grant support for capital projects to help improve access within our nationally protected landscapes. Some £47,651 was provided to the Lincolnshire Wolds AONB during 2022-23, the first of a three-year funding programme, and helped to secure the delivery of two capital projects:
- Access improvements on the Viking Way (the long-distance trail between Barton upon Humber and Oakham in Rutland) in the Nettleton valley with the installation of a new boardwalk, natural stone surfacing and drainage works to improve and make passable an often very wet and waterlogged section of the route.
- The creation of a new sustainable car park at Claxby, providing safe off-street parking. This has provided a new facility for residents and visitors to enhance access to the village hall, recreational field and wider public rights of way network, including the Viking Way.
Two new capital projects are currently being taken forward for completion by Spring ‘24: with works to be undertaken to help improve access on a promoted route near Raithby cum Maltby; and resurfacing an all-ability access trail at South Thoresby Warren, the Local Nature Reserve near Alford.
Access for All funding continues during 2024-25, so we are now looking for new projects to help further improve public access to and within the Lincolnshire Wolds, whilst also meeting the wider interests of the area and our communities. The extra funding is for capital spend only - a one-off itemised cost where funding is provided to purchase or invest in a physical item or asset (capital item) to improve accessibility for all users.
Please contact us with ideas for potential projects that will benefit the Lincolnshire Wolds – aonb@lincswolds.org.uk