Green Lung 2.0 (GL2.0): Developing TNR as an urban “green lung” for community and nature recovery.
Tewkesbury Nature Reserve awarded £250,000 grant to transform nature recovery and community action
Tewkesbury Nature Reserve is delighted to announce that it has been awarded £250,000 from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to help transform the way local people care for, learn about and protect one of Gloucestershire’s community nature reserves.
Made possible thanks to National Lottery players, the funding will enable the charity to deliver an ambitious programme that creates lasting benefits for wildlife, volunteers and local communities, ensuring that the Reserve continues to thrive.
Tewkesbury Nature Reserve is a unique 44-hectare community nature reserve that provides vital habitats for wildlife and a place where people can connect with nature on their doorstep.
The new project, entitled Green Lung 2.0 (GL2.0): Developing TNR as an urban “green lung” for community and nature recovery, will focus on strengthening community eco-stewardship and citizen science opportunities. Through an expanded programme of learning, volunteering and outreach, the project will help more people of all ages and backgrounds develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to care for nature. It will also build new opportunities for people to become Lead Volunteers and Community Nature Guardians, creating a growing network of local champions helping to care for the Reserve. A strong emphasis will be placed on widening participation, ensuring that people who have traditionally faced barriers to accessing nature are able to enjoy and contribute to the Reserve.
The project will also significantly expand the Reserve’s citizen science programme, by training volunteers in valuable skills to monitor habitats and wildlife and collect data that will directly inform the management of the Reserve.
This investment from the Heritage Fund recognises both the importance of protecting the Reserve’s rich natural heritage and the vital role that local communities play in caring for it.
Professor Lindsey McEwen, Chair of Tewkesbury Nature Reserve, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to receive this support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. This investment represents a transformational moment for Tewkesbury Nature Reserve. It will allow us to strengthen the way we care for this remarkable landscape while empowering more people from across our communities to become active custodians of their local natural heritage. We are incredibly grateful to National Lottery players for making this possible.”
Stuart McLeod, Director of England – London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “Tewkesbury Nature Reserve is a wonderful example of how local people can come together to protect and celebrate their natural heritage. Thanks to National Lottery players, this £250,000 investment will help the Reserve build on its vital work for both nature and the community, creating new opportunities for people to develop skills, take part in citizen science and play an active role in caring for the environment. We are delighted to support this project and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have for wildlife, volunteers and communities across Tewkesbury.”
Further details about opportunities to get involved will be announced over the coming months as the project begins.
For further information contact: info@tewkesburynaturereserve.org.uk