Santander UK announces a new initiative as part of its five-year partnership with UK National Parks to support the restoration of nature across some of the country’s most-loved landscapes.

The bank will support the GrubsUp! project to restore habitats for pollinators along scenic North Yorkshire route.

Since 2021, Santander and National Parks have been working together on the Net Zero with Nature initiative to highlight how nature restoration can help address climate-related issues and protect the economy.

A new project that will restore and connect vital wildlife sites surrounding one of North Yorkshire’s most scenic roads is now underway along the southern edge of the North York Moors National Park.

Linking Thirsk to Scarborough, the busy A170 winds its way through market towns and quaint villages and passes stunning woodland, pasture and farmland. Now, in a drive to connect these spaces, not just for people but for nature and wildlife too, new ‘insect super-highways’ will be created and cared for as part of GrubsUp!

The two-year project has received funding from Santander UK as part of the bank’s continued support of the UK’s protected landscapes and collaboration with National Parks Partnerships (NPP). Covering nearly 200 square miles, the project area focusses on a stretch of the Tabular Hills to the north of the A170, reaching Helmsley Moor in the west and Levisham and Dalby Forest in the east.

Holly Ramsden, GrubsUp Project Officer at the North York Moors National Park Authority, said: “Insect populations have seen alarming declines in abundance and species richness, to the point where nearly all of us have noticed a drop in butterflies visiting our gardens, less moths around streetlights and far fewer insects on our cars than there once were."

“These invertebrates are crucial to a healthy ecosystem, acting as important food sources for birds and small mammals. Pollinating insects also play a vital role in crop yield and quality and allow plants to produce fruit, seeds and new growth."

"This helps to keep our air clean, as during this process plants absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen.”

GrubsUp! collaborates with farmers, landowners, and local communities to protect and restore habitats for invertebrates. This will include planting native hedgerows, restoring grasslands and creating ponds and wetlands. It will also involve the enhancement of road verges and other community-managed green spaces, all aimed at boosting biodiversity and ensuring that insects can move between sites.

The project will seek long-term agreements to manage the newly created habitats, ensuring that the benefits continue far beyond the initial restoration work. Community members and volunteers will also play a key role, helping to create wildlife-rich spaces and gaining skills in monitoring the ongoing impact of the work.

Andrew Wilson, Director of Communications, Marketing and Responsible Banking at Santander UK said: “Tackling climate change through the preservation of nature and biodiversity is a key element of our sustainability strategy at Santander UK. Protecting the wildlife and nature around us is not only vital in the fight against climate change, but for the economy too, with more than half of global GDP dependent on it."

“That’s why I’m delighted that we are continuing to develop our partnership with UK National Parks, which started in 2021. We believe that partnerships are invaluable in connecting a diverse group of stakeholders to help us learn, progress and drive real change together across our communities, our customers and our people."

"The new collaboration to help restore vital wildlife along North Yorkshire scenic routes is a great way to connect with the community and deliver real impact to support our environment.”

GrubsUp! is the third project to come out of the Santander and UK National Parks “Net Zero with Nature” initiative to restore vital nature and support biodiversity in the UK.

To find out more about nature recovery in the North York Moors National Park and how you can help, please visit northyorkmoors.org.uk/nature-recovery-hub