WILDLIFE habitats in Warwickshire are set to improve thanks to a windfall of nearly half a million pounds.
National Highways’ ‘Network for Nature’ fund has awarded almost £500,000 to Warwickshire Wildlife Trust’s Dunsmore Living Landscape Partnership scheme.
The money will fund the Trust’s ‘Natural Highways and Homes’ project, which will work with public and private landowners from east Coventry to Rugby and north Leamington to improve habitats and make space for nature.
Work will include restoring and reinstating lost hedges, new woodland planting and wildflower grassland creation.
Derelict ponds will be brought back to life and other wetlands improved, and there will also be a programme of opportunities for volunteers and local residents to get involved.
Dunsmore Living Landscape Scheme Manager Lucy Hawker said: “At a time when our wildlife is under so much threat from climate change and habitat loss, we are extremely pleased to receive this funding from National Highways. It’s great to be working with new landowners, whilst also building on achievements with existing partners.”
Ben Coleman, Specialist Habitat Ranger for Warwickshire Country Parks, said: “We are very grateful to our partners at Warwickshire Wildlife Trust’s Dunsmore Living Landscape team for securing this important funding on our behalf.
“Works at Ryton Pools Country Park will increase floral diversity. This will provide opportunities for pollinators and insects in general, with associated benefits for wildlife further up the food chain.”
Rugby Borough Council’s leisure and wellbeing spokesman Coun Howard Roberts said: “The funding will support the Council’s net zero and biodiversity ambitions. We thank Warwickshire Wildlife Trust for their continued improvement of the green and open spaces across the borough of Rugby and beyond.”
The Trust is currently offering new members 50 per cent off until the end of the month.
The charity wants to attract everyone from family nature enthusiasts to weekend walkers by offering half price membership until January 31.
Benefits include free entry to Brandon Marsh Nature Reserve, and free parking at the Trust’s member-only car parks.
A spokesperson said: “Trust membership is perfectly suited to those who wish to discover more of the natural world across Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire with access to over 60 spectacular local wildlife sites.
“It is also fantastic for families and people with children thanks to a mixture of pushchair-friendly footpaths, play areas, and activity trails available at Brandon Marsh and Parkridge visitor centres.
“Membership income is vital to the charity, and funds will help the Trust work towards its goal of at least 30 per cent of land dedicated to nature’s recovery by 2030.”
To join, visit www.warwickshirewildlifetrust.org.uk/join or speak to staff at Brandon Marsh visitor centre.
