Restoring the Sandstone Ridge and Delamere
What is it?
Restoring the Sandstone Ridge and Delamere is a landscape-scale restoration programme focused on reconnecting and restoring one of Cheshire’s most distinctive ecological landscapes.
The Sandstone Ridge and Delamere landscape includes rolling hills, ancient woodland, heathland and internationally important meres and mosses. Historic drainage, plantation forestry, nutrient enrichment and habitat fragmentation have left important species and habitats isolated and vulnerable.
Cheshire Wildlife Trust is delivering a long-term programme to restore peatland systems, reconnect fragmented habitats and strengthen ecological resilience across the “Living Ridge” landscape. The project includes heathland restoration, mossland recovery, acid grassland creation and targeted habitat management to support species recovery and movement.
Why is this needed? / Why are we doing this?
The Sandstone Ridge and Delamere landscape contains nationally and internationally important habitats that play a critical role in biodiversity, carbon storage, water regulation and ecological connectivity.
Habitat fragmentation and degradation have reduced the resilience of species including White-faced Darter dragonflies, native reptiles and water vole populations.
This project has been developed to restore ecological connectivity across the landscape while strengthening climate resilience, biodiversity recovery and long-term habitat management.
The programme also supports future species reintroductions and improved management of protected sites.
What is it going to deliver?
By 2030, the project will deliver:
• Restoration and improvement of ten mossland sites
• Heathland, scrub and acid grassland creation
• Habitat corridors across Delamere Forest
• Mossland and peatland restoration
• White-faced Darter dragonfly recovery
• Habitat corridors supporting reptile movement
• Protection of key sites through Local Wildlife Site designation
• Additional land brought into conservation management
• Improved ecological connectivity across the “Living Ridge”
• Increased resilience for internationally important meres and mosses
The programme aims to create a connected and resilient landscape where habitats are in good condition, species can move freely and ecosystem services are strengthened.
Estimated Cost:
£3,024,923
Sandstone Ridge and Delamere, Cheshire.
Landscape-scale habitat network across the Sandstone Ridge and Delamere landscape.
Cheshire East, Cheshire West and Chester.
Phased delivery programme to 2030 and beyond.
Lead Partner:
Partnership delivery model currently in development with landowners, environmental organisations and conservation partners.
Why Invest Now?
- Internationally important habitats requiring long-term restoration
- Strong opportunity to support carbon storage and biodiversity recovery
- Landscape-scale ecological connectivity benefits
- Supports future species reintroductions and habitat resilience
- Strong alignment with LNRS and environmental investment priorities
- Long-term ecosystem service and natural capital value
Photo credit Copyright Rachel Bradshaw
Impact and Returns:
Environmental & Climate Returns
- Peatland and mossland restoration supporting carbon storage
- Improved biodiversity and ecological connectivity
- Habitat recovery for White-faced Darter dragonflies and native reptiles
- Improved resilience for meres, mosses and wetland systems
- Expanded habitat corridors across the wider landscape
Water & Ecosystem Returns
- Improved water regulation and hydrological resilience
- Strengthened ecosystem function across internationally important habitats
- Reduced habitat fragmentation and ecological isolation
- Long-term natural capital enhancement
Strategic & Landscape Returns
- Creation of a connected “Living Ridge” landscape
- Increased resilience to climate pressures
- Strong alignment with LNRS and nature recovery priorities
- Long-term landscape-scale conservation and stewardship
LNRS Priorities and Actions / LNP Goals:
LNRS priority species supported through the project include:
• Watervole
LNRS reintroductions supported through the project include:
• Large Heath Butterfly
• Beaver
This project aligns with the following Cheshire Local Nature Partnership goals:
Goal One
Increase contribution of nature-based solutions to address the ecological and climate crises.
Goal Three
Increase value of investment into nature.
Goal Four
Mainstream nature recovery to ensure Cheshire becomes nature positive by 2030.
P1.3
P2
P2.3
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Contact the Cheshire Nature Local Partnership
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