Member Article

Hide & Seek on the Bay

Northumberland Wildlife Trust has received a grant of £9,600 for a project on its Druridge Pools reserve from the Ventient Sisters North Steads Windfarm Community Benefit Fund at the Community Foundation.

The aptly titled ‘Hide & Seek’ project will refurbish three existing wildlife hides and create a new viewpoint on the popular Druridge Bay reserve.

Druridge Pools is a haven for bird life. Over the course of the year a regular visitor to the site can be expected to record over 100 different species.

The hides and screens on the site have been in place for over 20 years. During this time, use by members of the public and harsh coastal weather conditions have taken the toll and the structures are in a very poor state of repair.

The creation of the wildlife charity’s Wildlife Discovery Centre at Hauxley has attracted more visitors than ever to the wildlife charity’s five Drurudge Bay reserves, so needless to say, the reserves’ facilities are under increasing pressure and in need of speedy refurbishment.

A team of staff and volunteers aims to complete the work by the end of April, however this is dependent on weather conditions and may be delayed even further to avoid the bird-breeding season.

Anthony Johnston, Northumberland Wildlife Trust’s Druridge Bay Estates Officer will be leading the team, he says: “Druridge Pools is a fabulous site for bird watching. I am so grateful for the money we have received from the very generous donor as it will enable us to improve the wildlife experience for thousands of visitors to the reserve and will be well worth a visit.”

The Ventient Sisters and North Steads Windfarm Community Benefit Fund at the Community Foundation allows community groups within a 5km radius of windfarm to apply for funding of up to £10,000.

Pete Barrett, Senior Programme Advisor at the Community Foundation adds: “Community benefit funds aim to enrich the lives of local people, and the Northumberland Wildlife Trust is a fantastic example of this.

“We will be encouraging groups to apply to the fund again when it reopens on 25 June 2019. Please visit the Community Foundation website for more information.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Northumberland Wildlife Trust .