Birds on the Edge

Birds on the Edge was a project dedicated to helping both nature and people thrive through conservation, education, and recreation running from October 2022 - October 2026.

We restored and created habitat from ponds and pools to wildflower plots to support the critically endangered Turtle Dove, Yellowhammer, Redstart, and Song Thrush, while also benefiting pollinators and other wildlife.

Working with communities, farmers and land managers, we enhanced the landscapes where woodland meets farmland in the North York Moors National Park and Howardian Hills National Landscape, securing a future for these species.

At the same time, we connected people, young and old, with nature and developed skills through art, play and hands-on conservation. We worked closely with young people from disadvantaged communities, breaking down barriers to nature, improving wellbeing and fostering a lifelong love for the natural world. Whilst we engage with schools across both protected landscapes, creating feeding stations for bird surveys to support an immersive learning experience.

Birds on the Edge was made possible thanks to the National Lottery Heritage Fund, with additional funding from Yorkshire Water, Woodsmith Foundation, Wharfedale Foundation, s106, and DEFRA’s Farming in Protected Landscapes.

Bird on the Edge Report, 2022-2026

Conservation

We created and restored vital habitat to support our four target bird species that live on the edge of wood and farmland in the North York Moors National Park and Howardian Hills National Landscape.

This included feeding and nesting habitat too, such as wildflower plots, and drinking habitat, such as ponds. 19 ponds, 16 pools, and 6 hectares of nesting and feeding habitat were created or restored.

These buzzing hubs of biodiversity are not only beneficial for the target bird species, they also support a wide array of other wildlife, including pollinators.

We worked with communities, farmers, and land managers to create, restore, and sustain these habitats, ensuring they remain thriving spaces for wildlife long into the future.

Ponds, pools, and other habitat were created at locations such as Newton-on-Rawcliffe, Dalby Forest, Sutton Bank, Appleton-le-Moors, Lockton, Silpho, Wykeham, Sinnington, Terrington, and Scakleton.

Recreation

We engaged a diverse range of communities across the North York Moors National Park and beyond, particularly children and young people, using recreation, art, and creative play to connect them with nature. By breaking down barriers and providing opportunities for meaningful interaction with nature, we supported their wellbeing and personal development, as well as nurtured a love of the natural world and its protection.

As part of this work, the project engaged with students from Scarborough Pupil Referral Unit and Bridlington Spotlight Youth Theatre to explore the parallels between target bird species and their own lives through artistic expression. This work was undertaken by practitioners from our partners, ARCADE and the North York Moors National Park Authority.

In 2023, students from Scarborough PRS wrote, recorded and produced music videos inspired by the project, premiering their work at a dedicated event before it was showcased at the inaugural Scarborough Film Festival.

In 2024, students from the PRU designed and created project-inspired skateboards, which were featured in the Birds on the Edge exhibition alongside works from local and nationally renowned artists. Young people from Bridlington Spotlight Youth Theatre created performative responses to the project, which were performed to an audience in January 2025.

Between June and August 2026 20 people took part in a Natural Health Service-Birds on the Edge collaboration, engaging with the project to support their physical and mental health and to connect with others.

In August 2026 the project ran a Birds on the Edge Summer School for 16 children from Teesside to engage with the project through creative exploration and skills, such as bird identification, supporting their wellbeing, learning and development.

Through film, music, writing, and visual arts, young people develop a deeper connection with nature, whilst also supporting their wellbeing, harnessing creative talent and developing new skills.

Education

We connected with 28 local primary schools to inspire pupils about our target bird species, their role within our precious our ecosystem, the challenges they face, the importance of conservation, and how they can take action to protect them.

As part of the Harry Spotters Challenge, primary schools were provided with binoculars, feeding stations, seed and surveys, with the aim of collecting data on bird species spotted within their school and community.

Pupils took part in a geocache challenge. Each school was given a unique Birds on the Edge coin, with them traveling along the target bird species migratory routes to southern England, France, and Spain - as well as making their way to Australia.

Feedback

"This is the closest to nature I've ever been in my life."

Student, Scarborough Pupil Referral Service (2023)
"She is going through a traumatic time at present and this [Birds on the Edge project] was like a balm to her soul."

Teacher, Scarborough Pupil Referral Service (2023)
"Each little bid was made in honour of the North York Moors Birds on the Edge project which we are very proud to be a part of."

Teacher, Goathland Primary School (2023)
"To see how much of an impact being immersed in nature has had on the students, their knowledge and confidence, is wonderful. I am proud to celebrate the conribution the project is having on helping both young people and birds on the edge to thrive collectively."

Executive Director, North York Moos Trust (2023)
“Being outside helps - I've learnt what I need as a person."

Student, Scarborough Pupil Referral Service (2024)
"For me to see them experiencing the different weathers and types of mud, rain, sand, whatever it may be,they really need those experiences and need to be able to explore and have the opportunities to find out about the natural world. They can't really progress and develop until they've been through those stages."

Teacher, Scarborough Pupil Referral Service (2024)
"Behaviour wise, a lot of them do better outside. We can be positive for a change."

Teacher, Scarborough Pupil Referral Service (2024)
"I enjoy going out more - I never used to like making dens and stuff but now I do."

Student, Scarborough Pupil Referral Service (2024)
"I liked trying out the skateboards and going outside and recording noises in nature".

Student, Scarborough PRU (2024)
“It has given some pupils the opportunity to learn new skills such as film and photography making and a few of them will potentially take this further. It has provided time and space to explore new materials which they may not have previously used and to work with artists who have new ideas and can encourage them in a creative direction. It has also made pupils start to realise that art can mean many different things, not just drawing and painting.”

Teacher, Scarborough PRU (2024)
"I enjoyed experiencing nature through the young person's eyes".

Family member, Bridlington Youth Group (2025)
"Great resources for young people in an area lacking groups/spaces for them. We'd love to see more."

Family member, Bridlington Youth Group (2025)