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7:17 AM 16th June 2021
nature

Volunteers Sought For Nature Reserve

 
Nosterfield Nature Reserve, renowned as a haven for birds and wildlife, is seeking green-fingered volunteers as pandemic restrictions ease.

The 250-acre reserve is run by the charity, Lower Ure Conservation Trust, which is dedicated to the restoration of wildlife-rich habitats in the former quarry. It is widely regarded as one of the best examples of wetland grassland in the North, and provides habitat for over 150 species of birds.

Volunteers Pan and Laurie
Volunteers Pan and Laurie
Established almost 25-years ago by local nature enthusiast, Simon Warwick, the former gravel quarry near Ripon is nationally recognised for its unique conservation work. The charity recently received a £132,000 from the government’s Green Recovery Challenge Fund

Volunteers at the charity are breaking new ground by growing plants from seed that were once commonly found in the wetlands in the Ure Valley, but have become very rare and, in some cases, extinct.

Emma Higgs
Emma Higgs
Emma Higgs, Project Officer at the Lower Ure Conservation Trust, said: “It’s a really exciting reserve to get involved with, and it’s incredibly valuable work restoring habitats to help safeguard at-risk wildlife.”

More than 90% of wetland habitats in the region have been lost. Reports show rapid declines of species across the UK. Curlew is considered under global threat, and lapwing are estimated to have suffered a national decline of 80% in the past 50 years.

Emma said: “Volunteers are very much the custodians of this special place, and it’s never been so crucial to protect this habitat. Our belief is if you visit, you’ll fall in love with it and want to protect it.”

Joe Fryer
Joe Fryer
An open day for volunteers will take place on Saturday 19 June at the reserve for anyone who wants to try their hand, or find out more, about volunteering.

Tasks are suitable for people of all abilities, from potting plants to more physical infrastructure work.

The reserve also offers day-trips for its volunteers to other nature sites with ecologist, Martin Hammond, to explore good practice.

Emma added: “Volunteering in nature is the perfect antidote to the last year. It’s a chance to meet like-minded friends, to get outdoors, and to reboot mentally and feel good about helping the planet.”