A local nature reserve has been able to develop a strong volunteer base thanks to a council grant.
Nosterfield Nature Reserve (near Bedale) is Hambleton’s only designated Local Nature Reserve and attracts up to 15,000 visitors annually who enjoy the wildlife and take exercise in the attractive landscape adjoining the Thornborough Henges. It is also recognised as North Yorkshire’s premier wet grassland for birds and has received a number of major national awards.
The £2500 grant from Hambleton District Council’s ‘Making a Difference Fund’ enabled Northallerton & ‘District Voluntary Service Association to assist the Lower Ure Conservation Trust to develop a firm foundation for volunteers on the reserve, help them with an Open Day to attract more volunteers and then ran a series of five workshops at three to four week intervals to help formulate policies and procedures for managing volunteers.
The Reserve is now able to draw on as many as 35 volunteers who carry out a range of tasks including recording the birds, flowers and insects, clearing unwanted vegetation and creating new habitats such as reedbeds and hedgerows. One group is even making and kitting out a base where they can work on projects during the wet days of winter.
“We expect the improved volunteer-base to result in increased visitor numbers and many more people being aware of Hambletons only local nature reserve, its wildlife, surrounding landscape and local communities,” said Simon Warwick, Director and Trustee.
The application for the grant was supported by Councillor David Webster, ward member for Tanfield.