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Cash boost for top Devon wildlife site
Last modified: 31 January 2012
Thanks to money from Viridor Credits Environmental Company, through Pennon Environmental Fund, the RSPB has been able give a facelift to visitor facilities at its popular Bowling Green Marsh Nature Reserve in Topsham, Devon.
The nature reserve, home to thousands of waterbirds in the winter months, attracts wildlife enthusiasts from across the UK.
Sally Mills, RSPB Site manager said: “The money from Pennon has enabled us to really update our visitor facilities, for which we are very grateful.
“The installation of the new disabled parking space has been well received and it is excellent to see that it is very well used. There is hardly a time I go down to the reserve and not see a Blue Badge holder using the space.
“And now that the reserve has got better links to the national cycleway we’ve installed new and splendid looking bicycle racks in the shape of lapwings.
“In addition we also have several new signs that guide people around and provide information on the estuary and its wildlife. Pennon Environmental Fund also paid for a new path to the viewing platform over the River Clyst – this means visitors no longer get wet feet during the winter! And on the platform itself, the rough surfacing has been replaced with recycled plastic giving a very durable, maintenance free and non-slip surface.”
Viridor Credits, via Pennon Environmental Fund, are also providing funds to invest in the RSPB’s neighbouring Exminster Marshes nature reserve. Here there are plans to install a new viewing screen, bicycle racks and signage which like Bowling Green Marsh will greatly enhance the reserve and improve the visitor experience.
Viridor Credits was established in 2001 to distribute money from landfill taxes generated by landfill operator Viridor. The landfill tax is levied on landfill operators for every tonne of waste put into landfill in a bid to encourage higher levels of recycling and waste prevention. Landfill operators are able to use a percentage of the Landfill Tax to provide funding for environmental bodies, such as Viridor Credits, who can then distribute these funds to qualifying local community projects across the UK. In the ten years of its existence, Viridor Credits has distributed £70million to projects like these.
Lisa Nelson is the General Manager of Viridor Credits said: “Protecting our natural environment is becoming increasingly important, and providing facilities that enable everyone to enjoy our beautiful surroundings is just the sort of community project that the Landfill Communities Fund can support.”
Viridor Credits is looking for further projects to fund located within 10 miles of Viridor-managed landfill sites. Community groups can visit www.viridor-credits.co.uk, call 01823 624656, email enquiries@viridor-credits.co.uk or write to Viridor Credits Environmental Company, Aintree House, Blackbrook Park Avenue, Taunton, Somerset TA1 2PX for more information.