This significant initiative will demonstrate nature’s recovery at scale, transforming a nature depleted site into a haven where wildlife and people will thrive. 

Ebdon Farm is a 44-hectare former dairy farm on the North Somerset Levels and Moors and is at significant risk from climate change impacts. Transforming this land is the largest initiative ever undertaken by Avon Wildlife Trust and follows more than 12 months of community engagement, species monitoring, and surveying to learn from the land and the local community.  

The development phase, also supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, enabled the Trust to co-create a masterplan to reimagine the farm for the future, creating a template for climate-adapted farming which could be replicated across the North Somerset Levels and Moors. Phase one of this masterplan can now become a reality.

Leah McNally, CEO at Avon Wildlife Trust, says,

“This is amazing news for nature in North Somerset and for the communities that surround Ebdon Farm. We need to take transformative steps to boost nature’s recovery and support local farmers in this climate-vulnerable area. We’re delighted that The National Lottery Heritage Fund has backed our vision.”

She continues,

“Since Esmée Fairbairn Foundation helped us acquire this ideally placed farm in 2025, we’ve developed a long-term masterplan for the site as a beacon for nature’s recovery and climate adaptation. After a construction phase we will open Ebdon Farm Nature Reserve, enabling more people to access the multiple benefits that we know nature brings and allowing us to explore climate impacts at a local level.”

The masterplan for Ebdon Farm will see the creation of a new climate resilient nature reserve, that demonstrates how healthy ecological functions can help us adapt to climate change and provide an important high-tide roost for wildfowl and wading birds from the Severn Estuary. Dedicated areas for the community and visitors to connect with nature will be created, from plans already developed in consultation with local people, including innovative and accessible interpretation.

Stuart McLeod, Director of England at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said,

“Thanks to National Lottery players, we are proud to support Avon Wildlife Trust’s ambitious vision for Ebdon Farm. At a time when climate change and nature loss are becoming ever more visible, this project shows the importance of restoring nature at scale. It will create a haven for wildlife, safeguard important habitats and species and inspire people of all ages to engage with the nature on their doorstep. By transforming this former dairy farm into a thriving wetland nature reserve, Ebdon Farm will create lasting benefits for both people and nature, ensuring this project has a positive legacy for generations to come.”

Shelly Easton, Head of Nature’s Recovery at Avon Wildlife Trust and project lead for Ebdon Farm says,

“Against a backdrop of climate change and worrying trends in nature’s decline, we need to take decisive action and show that there is hope for a nature-positive future for wildlife, farming and people. Ebdon Farm is that beacon of hope, showing how nature can help us adapt to our changing climate and support nature’s recovery at a landscape scale. We can’t wait to begin and let nature take the lead.”

The next exciting phase of work at Ebdon Farm will begin in the autumn with the creation of new wetland areas that will support a variety of species such as bats, newts, kingfishers and internationally important populations of wading birds and waterfowl. 

To help promote a sustainable future for the farm and for local tourism, the existing farmhouse buildings will be converted to holiday accommodation.

A volunteering programme is also in development following a high level of interest amongst local people wishing to share their skills and time. Avon Wildlife Trust will also be piloting a new learning programme and will be working with partners to ensure that local people can connect with and be inspired by nature. 

The Trust has received support from Sir Peter Lord, animator, director, producer and co-founder of award-winning Aardman Animations. Sir Peter has been a member and supporter of Avon Wildlife Trust for more than 20 years and has donated generously towards the charity’s ambitions to work at a landscape scale to secure nature’s recovery.

The National Lottery Heritage Fund grant requires the Trust to raise 10% of the total project costs as match funding. To hear more about the transformation of Ebdon Farm, and ways to donate and support the project, supporters can join a newsletter on the Ebdon Farm page of the website