Carmel National Nature Reserve wins £45,000 from public vote

09/12/2008 16:57:29 December 2008. Hundreds of people voted for Carmel's Ancient Woodland Treasures on Tuesday 25 November enabling The Grasslands Trust to win a People's Millions grant of £45,000. The funding will be used to restore areas of ancient woodland which have been badly neglected; improve access for all and train local people in lost countryside skills such as coppicing.

A delighted Charli Evan's, Carmel's Reserves Manager, said "this is absolutely fantastic news and we want to say a huge thank you to everyone that voted for our project and got involved in its promotion. This is a tremendous opportunity to bring back important wildlife to an area that's been badly neglected over the years and involve the local community!"

Carmel National Nature Reserve
Carmel National Nature Reserve is one of the UK's finest wildlife areas - an absolute jewel in Wales' crown and yet this stunning open space is very under-used. The Grasslands Trust plans to change this, by improving access for all, involving local people in its conservation and improving local understanding about the area and its historical importance. More about Carmel Nature Reserve.

Training countryside management skills
Training volunteers in countryside management skills such as coppicing will improve the habitat for species such as the Dormice, the Small pearl-bordered fritillary butterfly and insects such as the Harvestman, Bee-fly and Hornet Robberfly. In addition to restoring the woodlands, volunteers will also be clearing scrub to create grassland glades and rides in order to bring back wildflowers.

If you are interested in helping The Grasslands Trust or getting involved at Carmel please contact Lucy Cooper on 07912 580 672 or email lucy.cooper@grasslands-trust.org. Further information can also be found on the Trust's website www.grasslands-trust.org .