Running for nature

As spring began across the Shire patch, one local wildlife champion was using the warmer days and light evenings to take part in an epic fundraising event

Wildlife photographer Ben Porter, ambassador for Radnorshire Wildlife Trust, teamed up with insect expert Will Hawkes to run 60km across the county to raise funds for the Wilder Pentwyn project.

The 164-acre farm near Llanbister, which the Trust acquired in October 2021, is set to be a beacon for the recovery of nature. To secure the site and its future work, the RWT aims to raise £1.5 million, with £900,000 achieved so far.

The upland area in the Welsh Marches will be a new model farm for for the Best Natural Burial Ground in the UK. Site manager Carole Tomlinson said: “We are passionate about providing a personal and compassionate ecofriendly burial option to our local community, so we were really pleased to receive this prestigious award.”

Exceptional

The awards are open to members of the Association of Natural Burial Grounds and organised by the charity The Natural Death Centre. Commenting on Monument Meadow, the judges noted the “high level of customer care”, the “tranquil setting“, “attention to detail and compassion” and the “exceptional help and guidance when arranging a ceremony”.

Carole added: “It is a beautiful place to be laid to rest. Natural burial enables people to choose a funeral which is unique, in tune with nature and gentle on the environment. Instead of using gravestones, we have planted an abundance of local species of trees, bulbs and wildflowers to create a living memorial landscape. It is a natural sanctuary designed to honour our deceased, to provide an attractive place for visitors to pay their respects and to encourage local wildlife. It is a tranquil area, an ongoing living legacy for those laid to rest.” www.monumentmeadow.co.uk the future, with cover for birds, grass and flowers providing nectar and pollen, and caterpillar larval food. Through high-welfare, low-input meat from grazing, as well as vegetables from market gardening, the Trust hopes to provide an opportunity for a new entrant to farming.

“Most of all, we want to see nature increase, draw people in, give a sense of well-being, wonder and hope,” said ceo James Hitchcock.

Funding aim

Ben has already successfully raised over £600 for this exciting project. If £1,750 is raised through LocalGiving, then RWT will receive £250 match funding via Crowdfund Wales.

“We’re at rock bottom for the state of nature in the UK. It’s time to roll up our sleeves and see habitats restored and incorporated into the wider way we use our landscape,” said Ben.

If you would like to support A Wilder Pentwyn, you can donate at www.localgiving. org/fundraising/runforpentwyn