A successful nature recovery project is branching out into new landscapes, creating and restoring vital wildlife corridors in two of the North York Moors’ most distinctive valleys.

GrubsUp! is extending its work into Bransdale and Farndale, thanks to new funding secured through the National Parks Partnerships, supported by global hospitality partner Levy. The project builds on work already happening along the southern edge of the National Park, strengthening wildlife corridors that link important habitats such as woodland, species-rich grassland, ponds and hedgerows.

These corridors, known as Biodiversity Lines or ‘B-Lines’, are important as they act as safe routes for insects such as bees, butterflies and moths to travel between sites for feeding, breeding and sheltering. Unfortunately, many valuable habitats have become increasingly isolated over time, leaving pollinators with limited resources and struggling to grow their populations.

By working in Bransdale and Farndale, GrubsUp! will reconnect habitats across the valleys and the wider project area by restoring wildflower meadows, encouraging ponds and wet ground, and improving areas that run alongside streams and rivers. Together, these features help form a network of connected spaces that support insects and other wildlife that depends on them.

Holly Ramsden, GrubsUp! Project Officer at the North York Moors National Park Authority, said:

“GrubsUp! is about reconnecting landscapes that have become fragmented and helping wildlife move through them again. Over the last 12 months we’ve been working alongside parish councils, landowners and volunteer groups to allow grass verges to flourish, plant landscape trees and orchards, and create new ponds and meadows.

“We’re delighted that this funding from Levy through National Parks Partnerships will allow us to extend these nature corridors into Bransdale and Farndale, grow increasing numbers of local provenance wildflowers, and work alongside more communities who care deeply about these special places. It’s a practical, positive step both for nature and for people.”

On 28 January Levy launched its Living System Fund, a new not-for-profit funding initiative developed with RegenFutureCo, supporting ecological projects that give back to nature, engage communities and create social impact. Levy is giving £500,000 to the fund in 2026, benefitting six projects, including GrubsUp!

A key part of this project will see coordinated collections of local wildflower seeds from species that are already growing in the area. These will be propagated in polytunnels, producing young plants that are well suited to local conditions and can be used in the creation of new meadow habitat. Schools will have opportunities to get involved, helping pupils learn where wildflowers come from and why they matter.

GrubsUp! will also raise awareness of the importance of dark skies, and how artificial lighting at night can disrupt moths and other night-flying insects. The project will encourage communities to adopt wildlife-friendly lighting and make small changes that can make a big difference for nocturnal pollinators.

The North York Moors National Park is part of National Parks Partnerships, which brings together the UK’s 15 National Parks and value-aligned businesses, funders and organisations to support nature recovery and community action, helping ensure these protected landscapes continue to thrive.

To find out more about GrubsUp! and how to get involved, visit northyorkmoors.org.uk/GrubsUp