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
ENDS
Media contacts
Nina Beadle, Communications Officer, North York Moors National Park Authority
press@northyorkmoors.org.uk
01439 772700
The North York Moors National Park
The North York Moors is a beautiful landscape of stunning moorland, ancient woodland and historic sites. Created on 28 November 1952, it became Britain’s sixth national park. Covering an area of 554 square miles (1,436 square kilometres) the National Park has 26 miles of coastline, two national nature reserves, 840 Scheduled Monuments and over 3,000 listed buildings, attracting an estimated 9.03 million visitors a year.
The National Park has two visitor centres, Danby Lodge National Park Centre and Sutton Bank National Park Centre, providing opportunities for cycling, walking, eating, picnicking, shopping, crafts and wildlife-watching. The centre in Danby also houses the Inspired by… gallery, which features regularly changing exhibitions by artists who draw their inspiration from the North York Moors.
About National Parks Partnerships (NPP)
National Parks Partnerships (NPP) unites companies, investors, and environmental funders with all 15 UK National Parks to drive positive change for people, nature, and climate. Spanning the iconic landscapes of the Peak District, Lake District, Eryri, Dartmoor, Pembrokeshire Coast, North York Moors, Yorkshire Dales, Exmoor, Northumberland, Bannau Brycheiniog, The Broads, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs, Cairngorms, New Forest, and South Downs, NPP operates at a national level to foster partnerships that enhance and protect these vital natural areas.
Since its inception in 2016, NPP has formed impactful partnerships with leading global brands, including BMW UK, Santander UK, and Estée Lauder Companies UK & Ireland. NPP’s comprehensive approach identifies and develops key projects in need of support, offering diverse opportunities such as deploying green finance through the Revere: Investing in Nature initiative with Palladium, to supporting innovative nature-based solutions that preserve and restore biodiversity, to staff engagement, joint marketing campaigns, in-kind contributions, and thought leadership. By aligning with both global and UK-based brands, NPP creates bespoke partnerships that deliver meaningful, lasting impact in National Parks and surrounding communities. www.nationalparks.co.uk
About Levy
Levy is a leading global hospitality partner, designing and delivering unforgettable guest experiences that prioritise people and the planet. Trusted by some of the world’s most iconic stadia, entertainment venues and major events, Levy brings spaces to life through exceptional food, service and innovation.
Driven by a mission to succeed in the right way, Levy combines pioneering technology, seamless operations and show-stopping menus with a strong commitment to sustainability. Using data and insight to understand guest behaviour and the customer journey, Levy works to minimise environmental impact while supporting local communities.
In September 2025, Levy published its first Climate Impact Report, highlighting progress against an ambitious sustainability strategy focused on environment, nature and health.
Find out more at: planet.levy.co.uk