Nature in the Sands of Eardington project receives funding boost
Shropshire Council is today celebrating the news that it has received a £18,599 funding boost from SITA Trust for their project “Nature in the Sands of Eardington”.
This project seeks to work with the newly-established Friends of Eardington Nature Reserve group to undertake initial capital works in a recently ‘restored’ sands and gravels quarry, which should enable long term management of the site to be more sustainable.
The focus of the project will be on protecting and improving the sandy habitat and shallow pools which support rare plants and insects some of which are not found anywhere else in Shropshire. One tiny fly has only been seen in two other locations in the UK. The project will ensure the existing interest, both locally and in a landscape context, is not only maintained but improved upon.
Robert Tindall, local Shropshire Councillor for Brown Clee, said:
“It is heartening to see such active interest in this wonderful new nature reserve. Considerable work by Shropshire Council staff and the Friends of Eardington Nature Reserve has resulted in this funding being made available to further improve the site for wildlife and people. I particularly look forward to being able to see the new artificial sand martin nesting site.”
The long-term management of the site will be the responsibility of Shropshire Council’s outdoor partnerships team. Edward Andrews, the area officer, will be leading regular volunteer work parties at the site over the autumn and winter period to carry out practical habitat management works. If you would like further details about these work parties please call 01746 781192.
Gwilym Butler, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member with responsiblity for nature sites, said:
“Access to interesting open space is consistently a high priority for local groups so it is particularly good to hear of the active role the local community has taken in establishing and improving this nature reserve. I congratulate both the Friends of Eardington Nature Reserve and the council staff who made this happen.”
Dan Wrench from Shropshire Council, who is jointly leading the project, said:
“We first realised the amazing wildlife value of this site following several wildlife surveys in 2006. The quality of the site for wildlife has improved further since then and, with help from local people, we are now in the fortunate position to secure a long-term future for the sandy open habitats that make this site so special.”
Jools Granville of SITA Trust added:-
“We are delighted to have been able to support this project through the Landfill Communities Fund.”
SITA Trust provides grants through the Landfill Communities Fund. This important source of funding has been available since 1997 and has provided such worthy projects with more than £1.3 billion.
