The future of Living Levels
The overall aim of the Living Levels Landscape Partnership (LLLP) programme was to reconnect people and communities to their landscape and to provide a sustainable future for this historic and unique area.
The project had a total budget of £4 million over a four-year period and has delivered management and engagement projects, including habitat conservation, orchard restoration, access improvements, events and activities, and volunteer programmes. The participation of communities across the area has resulted in a revival of interest in the Levels and a reconnection of people with their environment, history, and to others within their communities.
As the project neared the end of the Lottery-funded phase, it was recognised that, although much had been achieved, there was still more to do to ensure the future of the Gwent Levels. Considerable thought was given towards how to extend the life of the project, to capitalise on extensive public interest and political support, and build on the successes already achieved.
In 2019, Welsh Government convened a Gwent Levels Working Group to explore how the Levels could be better protected and managed. Key priorities identified include supporting the work of the LLLP, providing planning guidance to local authorities to help avoid unacceptable biodiversity and landscape impacts, and improving support for landowners managing SSSIs. Welsh Government, in a further recognition of the importance of the Levels, has named it as one of nine National Natural Resource Areas in Future Wales.
In 2021, LLLP commissioned a legacy plan to explore a long-term and sustainable future for the project after the initial Lottery funding came to an end in March 2022. Its aim was to find a mechanism that would build on the success of the LLLP programme and deliver long-lasting benefits for the Gwent Levels landscape, heritage and communities.
A consultation with partners and stakeholders revealed unanimous support for a continuation of the Living Levels. A considerable number of suggestions were made for work to be undertaken by a legacy programme across a broad spectrum of land management work, community engagement, volunteer development, training, interpretation and advisory work.
Support for a legacy project was demonstrated by RSPB, Newport City Council and Monmouthshire County Council, who each contributed funds to enable an 18-month transition phase. Further funding was given by NRW, and NLHF agreed to extend their support by allowing the Living Levels to access the original projects underspend.
Throughout 2022 and 2023, the Living Levels team, alongside partners and other stakeholders, will be developing a plan to ensure a long-term sustainable future for both the Living Levels and the extraordinary landscape of the Gwent Levels
Restoring nature and mitigating the impact of climate change are top priorities for this government. We demonstrated this by our decision on the M4 Relief Road and will continue to do so through our work on the Gwent Levels and across Wales. Every area of government, every sector of our economy and every community in Wales has a role to play in responding to the climate and nature emergency.
Julie James MS,
Minister for Climate Change