Backing for Isle to become biosphere reserve

Plans for the Isle of Axholme to join a biosphere reserve network have been backed by councillors.

North Lincolnshire Council's cabinet agreed to support participation in the proposed Humberhead Unesco Biosphere at a meeting on Monday 2 February.

If approved, officials said the move would protect the area's unique landscape, improve flood resilience, restore nature and support farming and local livelihoods.

The world network of biosphere reserves is made up of 784 sites in 142 countries, including in North Devon, Brighton and Lewes Downs in the UK.

Unesco - the United Nations' cultural agency - describes its biosphere reserves as "places where sustainable development practices can be tested and implemented".

According to the council, the Isle boasts some of the country's most important natural and historic landscapes, including England's largest areas of lowland raised mire - more commonly known as peatbogs.

It includes places such as Epworth, the birthplace of Methodism founders John and Charles Wesley, and Haxey, which attracts global attention each year for a centuries-old local tradition known as the Haxey Hood.

The Peatlands Way, a 50-mile walking route, also passes through the Isle.

The council said the status would help support peatland restoration and strengthen the Isle of Axholme's identity as a distinctive place to live, work and visit.

A previous application for the area to be designated as an area of outstanding natural beauty was turned down by the government.

Commenting on the biosphere plans, council leader Rob Waltham said it was about "keeping our promise to protect the Isle of Axholme, its landscape, its history and the communities who live and work here".

"This approach strengthens flood resilience and nature recovery without imposing new planning restrictions, and it gives local people a real voice in what happens next," he added.

The council has proposed 10-year commitment to the programme, including £5,000 per annum for years one and two, with funding met from existing resources.

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