Wildlife for people

A key aim of Cornwall Wildlife Trust and our many partners is to promote community action for the environment. We aim to inspire and advise people of all ages to protect and enhance their local surroundings, encouraging responsibility towards both habitats and species. Everyone benefits. There are many projects and activities you could become involved in, in different ways. Here are a few to whet your appetite:

The Pennon Community Fund

Pennon Water Champions (South West Water and Viridor Waste Management) helps individuals and community groups to carry out wildlife projects.

Can you think of a project that would benefit the local community? For example, does your parish have a pond? Is the community green hedgerow in need of repairing? Would the common benefit from a nature trail highlighting the wildlife on your doorstep? If the local community is willing to do the work and there is public access, the Pennon Community Fund will provide small grants to buy pond liners, plants, bat boxes, interpretation boards, improve access, provide seating and more. For a leaflet contact Tricia Nicholson (01872) 240777 ext 200.

Parish Project

Brian Stringer from the Trust's Launceston Local Group coordinates this amazing Parish Project in 20 parishes around Launceston. It is recording how rich the local environment is, hoping to monitor changes in wildlife. There is a range of projects you could become involved in, with different levels of involvement. For example, you could keep a wildlife diary of everything you see, record what small mammals and birds your cat kills or help with the detailed otter survey. Support and training is provided and includes workshops, talks and walks by experts. For more details about this fantastic community project contact Brian (01566) 774902 or visit the web site at www.parish-wildlife.org.uk

Churchtown Farm Community Reserve

This is the first community reserve of its kind managed by the Trust. Located near Saltash, it is a beautiful reserve and used heavily by the public. A dedicated Project Officer manages the site and is working with the local community to ensure that their needs and wants are taken into account, along with wildlife issues. A 'planning for real' event, held in March, attracted 90 locals who made suggestions about footpaths, the need for dog bins and habitat management, etc. A model of the reserve showing its potential was also made. Come along to see it and air your views at the Royal Cornwall Show in June or contact Dave Salmon on (0786) 6430086 for more details.

Kate Stokes

A motley crew of dedicated otter spotters - out surveying rain or shine.
Photo: Dave Beck