Tarmac support for Foulshaw Moss Nature Reserve

Company supports Cumbria Wildlife Trust in improving visitor experience at flagship South Lakes nature reserve

CUMBRIA Wildlife Trust has made improvements to Foulshaw Moss Nature Reserve, near Witherslack, after receiving a grant from the Tarmac Landfill Communities Fund.

Paul Waterhouse, the reserve’s officer, said: ‘We are very grateful to the Tarmac Landfill Communities Fund for their grant of over £17,000. Their funding has helped us make the visitors experience here at Foulshaw Moss Nature reserve even better.

‘Most of the Tarmac grant has been used to clear 15ha of invasive plant species such as rhododendron and western hemlock, allowing us to ensure the precious peat bog can thrive and stay such a wonderful habitat for Cumbrian wildlife.’

The grant has also been used to fund new benches and picnic tables, which have been installed around the 350ha nature reserve.

Jilly Mounsey, unit manager at Tarmac’s Sandside Quarry, said: ‘We are really pleased to be able to support the reserve through the Landfill Communities Fund. Supporting, protecting and encouraging biodiversity is a key commitment of Tarmac and we hope the improvements encourage lots of new visitors to the site.’

Cumbria Wildlife Trust is also using the grant to produce backpacks for children, so that young visitors can get the most out of coming to the nature reserve. The backpacks will include binoculars and spotter sheets and will be available to hire at the nature reserve from the start of the osprey season.