Funding to give nature reserve a new ‘leaf of life’
Tuckmill Nature Reserve is set for a refresh with a £76,600 funding boost to support local volunteers and help maintain and enhance the reserve’s biodiversity.
Vale of White Horse District Council secured the funding from a housing development in Shrivenham, through what’s known as Section 106 Contributions, and will be used to support local volunteer group Friends of Tuckmill who help manage and preserve this important ecological site.
The funding will help provide essential new equipment and training to volunteers, as well as the delivery of major upgrades to the boardwalks and bridges to help visitors better experience the beauty of the reserve and learn more about our green spaces and how we can protect them.
Cllr Judy Roberts, Cabinet member for Development and Infrastructure, said: “We are incredibly grateful for the work that Friends of Tuckmill provide to look after this important nature reserve. This funding allows us to continue to work closely with local community groups on nature reserves and our countryside so they can be carefully managed into the future.”
Nan Pratt, volunteer at Friends of Tuckmill, said: “This funding will help provide essential equipment and training for our passionate volunteers who do so much for this site, as well as help visitors come and immerse themselves in nature.
“We look forward to continuing to work with Vale of White Horse District Council to provide our volunteer service on the ground at Tuckmill Meadows to ensure its biodiversity is maintained and enhanced.”
Cllr Simon Howell, local ward member for Watchfield and Shrivenham, said: “The Friends of Tuckmill volunteers make a significant contribution to our local area to protect and enhance this important reserve, I’m pleased we are providing these funds to support them and their work.”
Cllr Elaine Ware, local ward member for Watchfield and Shrivenham, said: “I’m delighted to continue to work closely with Friends of Tuckmill and support the important work they do for this site of special scientific interest. If you haven’t already, why not plan a trip to Tuckmill Meadow and see the beautiful nature reserve right on your doorstep.”
This funding at Tuckmill supports a district-wide council programme working closely with local volunteer groups to help maintain and enhance our countryside sites.
Notes to editors:
Tuckmill Meadows has been a site of specific scientific interest (SSSI) since 1975 for its diverse grass species, unique wetlands and the range of animals and insects that call it home.
The Friends of Tuckmill is a volunteer group established in October 2021 with the aim to maintain and enhance the ecology and habitat of Tuckmill Nature Reserve and to encourage the goodwill and involvement of the local community and appreciation of the reserve.
Photo by Nan Pratt courtesy of Tuckmill Nature Reserve website.
