To successfully deliver our strategy, 'A Wilder Norfolk for All', we need to build solid foundations, raise our ambitions and, most importantly, we must involve everyone to achieve the best outcomes for nature.

The funding will support our new Building Foundations for the Future project, as we look to empower more people from all backgrounds to value and act for nature locally.

The project will run until December 2025, during which we'll focus on improving our organisational resilience and effectiveness as well as understanding the barriers that stand in the way of people acting for nature and collaborating with partners and local communities to overcome these.

Central to the project is incorporating a youth voice and activism into Norfolk Wildlife Trust to ensure that young people are equipped and empowered to protect Norfolk's natural heritage.

Natalie Bailey, our Director of Engagement, said: "This is an incredibly exciting time for us. We know the challenges our natural world faces are great, but we have nearly 100 years of experience in delivering for Norfolk's wildlife and feel great hope for the future.

"From making changes to our internal systems to help us work more efficiently and launching a new website, to carrying out audience research and developing our youth programme, the benefits of our Building Foundations for the Future project will be felt in every corner of the organisation. Crucially, they will be felt throughout Norfolk's communities too - as we support more people to enjoy, be inspired by and act for Norfolk's nature.

"We are delighted that The National Lottery Heritage Fund shares a commitment to our vision for Norfolk's wildlife and people and can't wait to get started."