Introduction
Back On Our Map is a pioneering project supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and hosted by the University of Cumbria. The project works with communities to reintroduce a suite of locally threatened or extinct species to South Cumbria.
Find out more about the project and learn how you can get involved below.
About the Project
Back on Our Map (BOOM) aims to re-engage communities in South Cumbria with their natural environment, by restoring the landscape and reintroducing and reinforcing locally threatened or extinct native species. National Lottery players support the £2m project, alongside a number of other public, private and charitable sector organisations. Led by the University of Cumbria, BOOM is working closely in partnership with Morecambe Bay Partnership, and lead partners including the Cumbria Wildlife Trust, Natural England and Forestry England. The project:
- Will help to build healthy, resilient, empowered communities by providing an exciting range of reintroduction-based social activities and training events.
- Covers an area of 600km2, extending along the lowlands of Morecambe Bay from Barrow-in-Furness in the west to Arnside and Silverdale in the east and Grizedale Forest in the north.
- Restores habitat and reintroduces species across a network of protected areas including Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), National Nature Reserves (NNRs) and Arnside and Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
- Is a multi-species, landscape-scale project, maximising the opportunities for community engagement, restoring and connecting whole ecosystems to reverse the decline in biodiversity.
Find Out More and Get Involved
Volunteer Events Watch Our Videos
Meet the Team
Jo Sayers | BOOM Project Manager
Dr Mic Mayhew | Community Heritage/Species Officer: Pine Marten feasibility, Duke of Burgundy butterfly.
Ellie Kent | Community Heritage/Species Officer: Hazel dormouse, spiked speedwell, goldilocks aster, Duke of Burgundy butterfly, small blue butterfly.
Heather Marples | Community Heritage/Species Officer: Aspen, great & oblong leaved sundew, maidenhair fern, green winged orchid.
Anya Kulizewski | Community Engagement Officer
Student Placements 2022/23:
Peter Howarth
Alex McCartney
Emilia Ramm
Student Placements 2021/22:
Jenny Williams
Samantha Haddock
Joseph Taylor
The Species
Aspen Tree
Corncrake
Goldilocks Aster
Green Winged Orchid
Hazel Dormouse
Maidenhair Fern
Pine Martin
Small Blue Butterfly
Spiked Speedwell
Sundew
Partners and Funders
We would like to say a big thanks to all of our partners and funders who are supporting us along the way.