Trust receives lottery fund grant
The Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust (BBOWT) has received a confirmed grant of £438,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for Linking the Landscape in West Berkshire.
The new five-year project aims to inspire local young people to take an active role in protecting and enhancing their local environment, with the help of community groups and local residents.
Jacky Akam, manager of the current West Berkshire Living Landscape project explains “This is a fantastic opportunity for people living in Newbury, Thatcham and the surrounding areas to get involved in new projects and initiatives. Local people of all ages will discover the beauties and delights of the nature reserves and wild places through projects such as Team Rangers which is an after-school conservation group for 13-16 year olds, Nature Tots for very young children and their parents to discover wildlife together, and new walking for health projects.”
Jacky adds “People who want to find out more about their local wildlife and how to look after the woods and commons, can join in workshops and practical work parties where volunteers will learn how to carry out wildlife surveys. We will also be offering conservation trainee placements for people who would like to seek work in the environmental sector.”
Linking the Landscape in West Berkshire is a partnership project with West Berkshire Council. Cllr Hilary Cole says the Heritage Lottery Fund grant is great news, “This will build on the successes of the current Living Landscape project, and shows the commitment of both the council and the local Wildlife Trust to care for and protect our most fragile heathland areas for wildlife and for everyone to enjoy.”
The Linking the Landscape in West Berkshire project will be launched this summer with a programme of events and activities.
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