Conserving unique habitats of the Dales

What is Long Preston Wet Grassland Project? If you’ve ever driven along the A65 you will undoubtedly have seen the wide areas of open water near Long Preston. Long Preston Wet Grassland Project (LPWGP if you prefer acronyms!) is a project which aims to protect this unique floodplain habitat for wildlife, as well as developing its potential as a fantastic natural resource for the local economy of the area.

The project began in 2004 and Dave Tayler (who is Deputy Director of the Trust) has helped secure the vital funding to run it.

The LPWGP area, along the River Ribble, is a nationally important nature conservation site, and is home to some increasingly vulnerable populations of birds including Lapwings, Snipe and Curlew. The site is also home to numerous species of aquatic plant life. The project will help improve access and facilities for people to learn about the birds, wildlife and grassland management, as well as the landscape history of the floodplain. 

90% of the LPWGP area is managed under Natural England’s Environmental Sterwardship Scheme and local farmers, who own and manage the land, play a vital role in the project.  

We’ll keep you updated as the project progresses, but if you are in the area watch out for:

• Improvements to the ‘Ribble Way’ including gates and repairs to pathways and dry stone walls.
• Interpretation boards to help people discover more about Long Preston Deeps.
• Educational Events – for special interest groups and local schools.