£18,000 boost for Shropshire quarry restoration project
It was once a hive of industrial activity but this Shropshire quarry is being returned to nature, with he thanks of thousands of pounds and plenty of elbow grease from volunteers.
Members of the Friends of Eardington Nature Reserve group spend their time helping protect rare species of animals and wildlife.
Now Shropshire Council has received a £18,599 funding boost from SITA Trust for the Nature in the Sands of Eardington project on the site, near Bridgnorth.
The trust provides grants through the Landfill Communities Fund, which has provided £1.3 billion in funding for various projects since 1997.
The focus of the project is to protect and improve the sandy habitat and shallow pools, which support rare plants and insects, some of which cannot be found anywhere else in Shropshire.
Robert Tindall, Shropshire Councillor for Brown Clee, is among those who have been at the quarry.
He said: "It is heartening to see such active interest in this wonderful new nature reserve.
"Considerable work by Shropshire Council staff and the Friends of Eardington Nature Reserve has resulted in this funding being made available to further improve the site for wildlife and people.
"I particularly look forward to being able to see the new artificial sand martin nesting site."
The long-term management of the site will be the responsibility of Shropshire Council's outdoor partnerships team.
Edward Andrews, the area officer, will lead regular volunteer work parties at the site over the autumn and winter months to carry out practical habitat management works. The most recent event was held on Saturday.
Gwilym Butler, Shropshire Council's Cabinet member with responsibility for nature sites, said: "Access to interesting open space is consistently a high priority for local groups so it is particularly good to hear of the active role the local community has taken in establishing and improving this nature reserve.
"I congratulate both the Friends of Eardington Nature Reserve and the council staff who made this happen."
Dan Wrench from Shropshire Council, who is jointly leading the project, said the group realised the wildlife value of the site after a number of surveys were carried out in 2006.
"The quality of the site for wildlife has improved further since then and, with help from local people, we are now in the fortunate position to secure a long-term future for the sandy open habitats that make this site so special," he said.
Jools Granville of SITA Trust said: "We are delighted to have been able to support this project through the Landfill Communities Fund."
For further information about future volunteer days at the Eardington site call Mr Andrews on (01746) 781192.
