Fylde’s Saltmarsh Project up for National Biodiversity Award

A pioneering nature restoration project on the Fylde coast has been shortlisted for a prestigious national biodiversity award, recognising the Council’s work to protect our coastline while boosting wildlife.

The Fylde Saltmarsh project, part of the wider Our Future Coast programme, has made the shortlist for the CIRIA Biodiversity Challenge Awards 2026. The project focused on restoring vital habitats following construction of the Fairhaven sea wall, using innovative nature-based solution techniques to strengthen the saltmarsh and provide natural coastal protection for years to come. Residents have also played a hands-on role through citizen science initiatives, helping to monitor and care for this unique stretch of coastline.

The CIRIA awards celebrate projects across the construction and development sectors that go above and beyond to put nature at the heart of their work, and being shortlisted places Fylde among the country’s leading examples of biodiversity-led coastal protection.

Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on Thursday 5 November, with a short film about the project also set to be showcased to guests and on CIRIA’s digital platforms.

Councillor Tommy Threlfall, Lead Member for Environment, said: “The saltmarsh at Fairhaven is a fantastic example of how we can protect our coastline while creating a richer, wilder environment for local wildlife to thrive. To be recognised nationally for this work is brilliant news, and it’s a real credit to everyone involved, including the residents who’ve taken part in our citizen science programme along the way.”

Ellie Brown, Our Future Coast Programme Manager, added: “We are delighted that the Fylde Salt Marsh project has been recognised nationally. It is testament to the hard work and dedication of the team and their fantastic volunteers, and a fitting recognition of the positive impact this project is having on our coast.”

Our Future Coast is funded by Defra as part of the £200 million Flood and Coastal Innovation Programmes which is managed by the Environment Agency. The programmes will drive innovation in flood and coastal resilience and adaptation to a changing climate.

For more information about the Our Future Coast programme, visit https://thefloodhub.co.uk/ourfuturecoast/