June 2008
The on-going investment into conserving our country’s natural heritage was marked by a bumper Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) cash injection to the Lancashire Wildlife Trust, it was announced today.
The £500,000 award will open up a large volunteer conservation training scheme in the urban and rural areas of Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside. The project aims to target local communities to introduce the wealth of wildlife surrounding them and take part in looking after them for future generations. It will also help to educate the community not only in practical management, but also in the ecology and biodiversity of the area.
Many people are unaware of the rich natural history in these urban areas. This project has been developed to ensure that all those who want to find out more will be able to do so through becoming actively involved. Some of the areas include Red Scar Woods, Freshfield Dune Heath, Heysham Moss and Wyre Marshes and will all contribute towards the National and Local Biodiversity Action Plans.
Sara Hilton, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund for the North West expressed her enthusiasm;” This project aims to connect people with local wildlife and encourages them to help preserve and crucially, become guardians in looking after the natural world and beautiful landscapes on their own doorstep. I am thrilled this grant will be able to protect the wealth of wildlife habitats and the rich variety of species here in the North West”.
New job posts will be created to see this project through with two Project Managers heading up enhancing the volunteers skills through this local community project.
Daveen Wallis, Head of Community Projects said “The Wildlife Trust is delighted to receive the award for a project that has been a dream of ours for the last six years. Volunteering is crucial to the protection and enhancement of our natural heritage, as well as support to our campaigning and education work. The funding will enable a wider range of volunteering opportunities delivered to a high standard that will attract a broader audience”.
Lindsey Hoyle, MP for Chorley, Lancashire commentated “I am delighted the Lancashire Trust is driving this important initiative forward for us all through the fantastic HLF funding. Thankfully, the North West is very lucky to be close to such rich natural heritage, and projects such as this one are a great way to help them learn about the environment around us. It is important that these areas are conserved so that the plants and animals that have made their home here can be enjoyed by future generations. ”
Notes to editors:
The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) enables communities to celebrate, look after and learn more about our diverse heritage. From our great museums and historic buildings to local parks and beauty spots or recording and celebrating traditions, customs and history, HLF grants open up our nation's heritage for everyone to enjoy.