Great North Fen – becoming a reality

The fundraising campaign for Ricknall Carrs has been a massive success and the vision for a Great North Fen is one step closer to being realised. Thanks to the generosity of the Trust’s members and supporters, the £20,000 fundraising target has been met and the money raised has been used as match funding for a grant application. As a result, Durham Wildlife Trust has been able to negotiate a deal to purchase additional land at Ricknall Carrs. The acquisition of the land should be completed in late spring.

Head of Conservation, Mark Dinning, said: ‘’This is incredibly significant news that will help the Trust deliver major nature restoration work across the Great North Fen area. Planning for the next phases is already underway and there should be more exciting developments to come.’’

Naturally Native Update

“Hi! I’m Charlotte, the new Grants Officer here at Durham Wildlife Trust.

I am a Durham University graduate in Criminology, with experience in working in the bid writing and tender consultancy industry, working on various bids, grants and proposals across both the public and private sectors.

I have always had a passion for wildlife and nature conservation, visiting Costa Rica and Nicaragua in 2016 as part of a World Challenge expedition to engage in turtle conservation work.

I’m looking forward to meeting members and volunteers over the coming months, and gaining as much experience as I can of the Trust’s work. I’ll put that knowledge to good use, securing as much funding as possible to support the Trust’s work to restore nature.”

In December, Durham Wildlife Trust said goodbye to long-standing staff member, Kirsty Pollard. Kirsty joined the Trust in 2010, working initially as the Education and Engagement Officer, and over the last four years as Naturally Native Project Manager, helping to develop and guide water vole conservation work across the North East region. Everyone at the Trust wishes Kirsty and family all the best as they begin their new life in the Cairngorms.

If the Cairngorms wasn’t far enough away to set up a new home, Elliot Lee, Durham Wildlife Trust’s Naturally Native Project Officer, has gone a step further – relocating to New Zealand. Elliot was central in developing and deploying the practical techniques the Trust now uses to restore water vole populations. We hope New Zealand will make the most of his fantastic skills.

In turn, we are pleased to welcome Stephen Brend as the new Naturally Native Project Manager, and Paul Rodgers as Durham Wildlife Trust’s Naturally Native Project Officer.