A group of volunteers who look after a Tamworth nature reserve have received more cash from the Tamworth Co-operative Society to continue the excellent work they are doing. The Friends of Warwickshire Moor meet once a month to help manage the nature reserve in Bolehall as part of the Wild about Tamworth Project. Their work greatly benefits both wildlife and local nature lovers.
Ann Briggs, manager of the Bolehall Co-op convenience store (pictured front right) and senior superviser Jayne Cutforth (front left) hand over a cheque for £821 to the Friends of Warwickshire Moor.
The volunteers were delighted to receive a cheque for £821 from the Society. They will use the money to extend an existing boardwalk at the beauty spot.
The cash was allocated from the Tamworth Co-op’s highly successful Community Dividend Fund which helps scores of good causes each year. It was raised by shoppers at the Bolehall convenience store donating the dividends they earn on their purchases to the group. Each separate Tamworth Co-op outlet supports a different organisation on its doorstep.
Pam Clark, secretary of the Friends of Warwickshire Moor, says it is the third time the group has benefited from the Tamworth Co-op’s scheme.
“We can’t thank them enough because they have helped us to put in new stretches of boardwalk to allow easier access through wet parts of the reserve,” she said.
“We have also been able to purchase tools such as a new scythe, and instal a marker post at the entrance to the site. The latest cheque will help us to put in stretches of board walk made from recycled plastic which is pretty much vandal proof. Unfortunately we do have a problem with anti-social behaviour here.’’
Ann Briggs, manager of the Bolehall convenience store, handed over the money on a glorious Spring day.
“It is the third time I have had the honour of doing this, but it will be also be the last time for me personally because I am retiring soon.
“It’s such a good cause because the work they do benefits the wider community as well as the wildlife.”
Also at the presentation was Wild About Tamworth officer Mel Westlake who said the nature reserve was a particularly rare habitat because of its extensive reedbed and the various species it attracts.
“It is an excellent site very close to the centre of Tamworth which benefits birds such as snipes and reed warblers,” she said.
The Wild About Tamworth project started in 2003 with the aim of creating new nature reserves and improving existing wild spaces.
“It’s all about the volunteers – the project could not exist without them,” added Mel.
The Friends of Warwickshire Moor are constantly looking for new members. Anybody interested in joining the group should call Tom Barker on 07968 495 494 or email tor@fofwm.org.uk