Cardiff University congratulates Severn Estuary Partnership on heritage funding success

The School of Earth and Environmental Sciences has extended its heartfelt congratulations to the Severn Estuary Partnership (SEP) on receiving a significant grant of £992,285 for their "Future Proofing the Severn Estuary" project.

The funding, awarded by the Nature Networks Fund, aims to bolster the protection and sustainability of the Severn Estuary's unique coastal and Marine Protected Areas, contributing to the ongoing effort to safeguard one of the UK’s most ecologically important landscapes.

Cardiff University, home to the Severn Estuary Partnership, is proud to support this groundbreaking initiative. Professor Jenny Pike, Head of the School of of Earth and Environmental Sciences at Cardiff shared “It is a true testament to their dedication and commitment to environmental preservation. As a university, we are proud to continue our collaborative efforts in preserving the Severn Estuary, fostering education, and empowering both citizen and graduate scientists. We look forward to further strengthening our partnership in the years ahead."

The Nature Networks Fund, a collaborative initiative between the Welsh Government, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, and Natural Resources Wales, seeks to enhance the condition and resilience of Wales' protected land and marine sites. SEP's project, which will strengthen the estuary’s biodiversity and engage local communities and citizen scientists, is a crucial step toward ensuring the long-term health of the estuary for future generations.

Alys Morris, Manager of the Severn Estuary Partnership, emphasized the importance of this funding in protecting the estuary's fragile ecosystems. ““A comprehensive plan has been developed to build upon the important work already underway around the Severn Estuary,” she explained. “This includes updating our State of the Severn Estuary Report, which will serve as a vital data source for both current and future monitoring, sustainable development, and environmental protection. Additionally, we aim to support local communities and businesses in becoming stewards of this remarkable natural resource.”

The project will focus on a range of initiatives, including managing invasive species, improving water quality, and supporting the Bird Aware Severn programme to reduce disturbances to the estuary’s bird populations. Local communities will be actively involved through citizen science projects, helping to monitor and safeguard the region’s rich biodiversity.

Dr. Rhoda Ballinger, Chair of the Severn Estuary Partnership and (Honorary Fellow of the School?), affirmed the organisation's long-term commitment to preserving the estuary's ecosystems. “This project reflects our commitment to protecting the estuary and its ecosystems. As an independent, cross-border organisation, we will continue to collaborate with and support communities on both sides of the estuary, and we are actively seeking additional funding to extend these efforts in England.”

Andrew White, Director of The National Lottery Heritage Fund in Wales, highlighted the importance of the partnership in preserving Welsh natural heritage. “This latest round of awards demonstrates the ambition of the Nature Networks Fund and the importance of connecting people to the natural world on their doorsteps. Protecting and strengthening our natural heritage is a key priority for us at the Heritage Fund. To meet the challenges facing our habitats and wildlife we need a sustainable, collaborative approach for nature recovery. We are therefore proud to work alongside the Welsh Government and Natural Resources Wales to deliver the Nature Networks Fund.”

The Severn Estuary is one of the largest estuaries in Britain and has the second highest tidal range in the world. It has a natural and cultural heritage deserving of special attention and is a living and working environment for the communities who live around its shores. The Severn Estuary Partnership (SEP) was set up in 1995 as an independent initiative, hosted by Cardiff University, to work with local stakeholders in promoting a sustainable approach to the planning, management, and development of the Severn Estuary for all who live and work there.

For more information, visit the Severn Estuary Partnership’s website or follow them on social media at @severnestuary.