CUMBRIAN wildlife campaigners have netted a prestigious national gong for their conservation work.

The Get Cumbria Buzzing project has won the accolade from Highways England, the Award for Excellence in Environment and Sustainability, by improving habitats for pollinating insects, such as bees and butterflies, along north west Cumbria’s A-roads - notably the A66 and A595.

It's a three-year project, which runs until 2022.

Tanya St Pierre, Get Cumbria Buzzing project manager, said: “To receive such a prestigious award is a real accolade, and stands testament to the hard work, dedication and close partnership working by everyone involved. 

"We’re absolutely thrilled. 

"Not only does this work help contribute to delivering 115 hectares of pollinator-friendly habitat across north west Cumbria, it also connects communities, organisations, and industries in a shared objective of taking action for pollinators.

"It delivers the vital work on the ground needed to help safeguard their future.” 

The project works closely with Cumbria Wildlife Trust, and Highways England who have given £860,000 towards its objectives.

It also got £912,800 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

More than 39 hectares of habitat have so far been improved along the A595 and A66 through the planting of native nectar and pollen rich trees.

They also created wildflower and species-rich grassland that will provide ‘stepping stones’ of habitats to let wildlife and pollinators move around the landscape.

Dean Kerwick-Chrisp, Highways England principal environmental advisor, said: “This project shows partnership working at its very best and everyone involved can be very proud of what they have achieved."