Launching at Windsor Great Park on 15th November, Back from the Brink is an exciting new initiative aiming to deliver real gains for threatened species. There are seven landscape-scale projects which focus on a suite of species in particular areas, and 12 projects helping individual species in particular need of targeted action.

ARC is leading on Gems in the Dunes, which is one of the seven landscape-scale projects. This will enhance the status of six target species (northern dune tiger beetle, natterjack toad, sand lizard, petalwort, sea bryum and matted bruym) on the Sefton Coast, through habitat creation and management. We will be working closely with local experts, and engaging landowners and communities, to help us do this. The project will also look at how to maintain the rich species heritage of the coast in the face of sea level rise and climate change.

We will also be involved in helping reptile and amphibian requirements are considered in the other projects. For example, the Dorset’s Heathland Heart project, led by Plantlife, will result in enhanced habitat for sand lizards at our Creech reserve. We will be making sure that our reserves contribute to work helping other priority species, such as the ladybird spider in a project led by Buglife. We will be working with Butterfly Conservation who lead on the Roots of Rockingham project on a specific element to help adders in deciduous woodland.

The Back from the Brink project is ambitious: we aim to investigate the challenges facing England’s threatened species and seek solutions by working together in partnership. The project is led by a group comprising seven charities (ARC, Bat Conservation Trust, Buglife, Bumblebee Conservation Trust, Butterfly Conservation, Plantlife and RSPB) and Natural England. Funding comes from a range of sources, including the Heritage Lottery Fund. For more information, see www.naturebftb.co.uk and check our website and social media for updates.