This programme is now concluded.
We launched the Cotswolds Champions Programme in 2020 to support a small but diverse selection of landscape enhancement projects. Some of these projects were our own, and some were proposed by others.
The supported projects were chosen to highlight different priorities and approaches, revealing the breadth of work that can make a difference. We also wanted to feature a broad range of people and organisations, aiming to illustrate the various ways they contribute, and the value of partnership working.
The programme was made possible with funding from Network Rail (NR). This was secured, following negotiations, as part of a settlement agreement, to mitigate and compensate for the impacts of rail electrification works in the protected landscape. The figures in brackets below show how this funding was allocated. The terms of the settlement agreement meant that 50% of the programme budget was allocated to the Rail Corridor Enhancement project, to deliver mitigation, with the remaining 50% was made available for other landscape enhancement projects, as a form of compensation.