Scouts sleep out to raise money for Clumps Wildlife Appeal
Wittenham Clumps conservation project boosted by local events
The response to the recently launched Wittenham Clumps Wildlife Appeal has been swift and diverse.
The appeal for the well known and loved Oxfordshire landmark, which has a £15,000 target, has been boosted by some local events being organised to support the project.
Appeal Pub Quiz & Scouts Sleep Out
The Red Lion in Brightwell-cum-Sotwell held a packed quiz night that has boosted the appeal by £420 and this Friday, 14th March, the 1st Brightwell Scouts are holding a sponsored sleep out to also support the project.
The Appeal
The new initiative will see 37 hectares of wildflower meadow restored and recreated involving the Clumps themselves, and perhaps more crucially, spreading into the surrounding farmland.
The work will involve the sowing of once common wildflower species which will increase the beauty and diversity of the landscape. The land will come alive with hares bounding and the song of skylark filling the air. Native hardy breeds of cattle will graze the fields and traditional hay-cutting will be introduced.
Lowland meadow is particularly under threat in Oxfordshire and through the important work planned in this project habitat will be restored for a number of our wildlife species to thrive. In addition to the skylark, other nationally threatened species such as the pipistrelle bat and hornet robberfly will be given a much needed lifeline.
Still £15,000 to raise
The Trust has approached a number of different organisations for funding and has now raised the majority of the costs needed. However a shortfall of £15,000 exists and this needs to be raised by 18th April 2008 in order for the project to progress this summer.
Tim Scane, leader of 1st Brightwell Scouts said “The Scouts in Brightwell get a massive amount of enjoyment out of the Wittenham Clumps and in discussion with the boys we have concluded that this is a great way of giving something back to this iconic landscape that are loved by so many.”
Ben Earl, Director of Fundraising at the Northmoor Trust said, “The response to this local need is gathering pace and we are making progress towards the £15,000 target. However, we still have a long way to go. Appeal leaflets are being circulated to local homes and groups, however if you haven’t received one and would like one posted to you then please do call us on 01865 409423 or email web@northmoortrust.co.uk
