National Highways takes top biodiversity prize for nature revival work

Chosen from 48 entries, National Highways’ successful five-year Network for Nature programme brought together dozens of projects to help restore natural environments and support local wildlife.

From bringing back grazing animals to restoring natural balance in grasslands, to reconnecting habitats and improving spaces for birds and butterflies to thrive, the programme worked with The Wildlife Trusts to deliver targeted improvements through 51 projects across 46 sites - each tailored to the needs of local landscapes and species.  It also enriched communities by creating training opportunities for local volunteers and enhanced natural spaces for people to enjoy.

Steve Elderkin, National Highways’ Director of Environmental Sustainability, said:

“National Highways plays a vital role in shaping the landscapes that our motorways and major A-roads pass through. Through our partnership with The Wildlife Trusts, we’ve delivered projects that restore habitats, boost biodiversity, and support local communities.

 “Over the past five years, the Network for Nature programme has made a meaningful contribution to nature recovery and reflects our ongoing commitment to ensuring infrastructure development supports a healthier, more resilient environment for now and future generations.”

Cath Hare, Head of Grants at The Wildlife Trust, said:

 "England is one of the most nature depleted countries in the world, with remnants of wildlife habitat isolated across land and sea. At least 32% of terrestrial and freshwater species have declined, and 13% of species are threatened with extinction.

We're delighted that this programme has created and enhanced a variety of flora and fauna across a range of different habitats in England to help nature's recovery. Great things are rarely achieved alone, and Network for Nature is a true testament to partnership working."

 Wildlife Trust for Beds, Cambs & Northants – Nene Valley Wetland Restoration

The 2025 Biodiversity Challenge Awards are an initiative by the Construction Industry Research and Information Association (CIRIA) to recognise and celebrate projects in the construction industry that enhance biodiversity beyond standard practice.

National Highways’ Network for Nature programme also included work to improve 30 Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs). SSSIs are areas protected by law because they’re home to rare wildlife, plants or unique natural features - from ancient woodlands to wetlands and chalk grasslands.

Some standout projects under the Network for Nature programme include:
•    Warwickshire Wildlife Trust – Reconnecting Fillongley: Using natural flood management to reconnect habitats and help wildlife move more freely across the landscape.
•    Wildlife Trust for Beds, Cambs & Northants – Nene Valley Wetland Restoration: Using natural wetland habitats to reduce local flooding whilst also reconnecting habitats and helping wildlife to move more freely across the landscape
•    Cumbria Wildlife Trust – Shap Fells Peatland restoration: Restoring peat bogs to lock away carbon to combat climate change and support wetland wildlife.
•    Wiltshire Wildlife Trust – Langford Lakes: Enhancing wetland areas to give birds of conservation concern a better place to feed and nest.
•    Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust – Call of the Wild: Using native breed cattle and ponies with GPS-based virtual fencing to mimic natural grazing patterns

For more information on the Network for Nature programme please visit https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/network-nature.

Notes to Editors

•    The award was presented by Construction Industry Research and Information Association (CIRIA).
•    The awards also honoured National Highways with the Biodiversity Feature Award: Infrastructure Networks for the programme of works.