Greenlink Berkshire

The network of community groups committed to the care of the environment, greener living and development of the local economy in Berkshire.

 

Greenlink News!

Win £1000 for your Berkshire community group
10 January 2012
Entries are now being accepted for the 2012 Dorothy Morley Conservation Awards. Community groups involved in practical environmental work have the chance to win £1000 to fund their future work, with the runner up receiving a £500 grant.  See leaflet.

Awards for Berkshire community groups helping the environment

Berkshire community groups carrying out conservation projects that benefit wildlife and people could receive £1000 in prize money to help fund their next venture.

The Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust is running the bi-annual Dorothy Morley Conservation Awards for groups involved with activities that encourage community involvement in environmental projects. The winning group will receive a £1000 grant, and runners up receive a £500 grant.

Rhiannon Harrington, Berkshire Community Wildlife Officer explains: “We‘re keen to hear from groups that have involved their local community in managing a treasured green space, or plan to do so this spring.

“They could be creating a wildlife pond, planting a hedgerow or making a wildlife garden. We welcome projects of any size from residents groups, village societies and conservation groups, as long as the site in question has public access.”

Full details about the Dorothy Morley Conservation Awards are on the Wildlife Trust’s website bbowt.org.uk. Application packs are also available from the Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust, Woolley Firs, Cherry Garden Lane, Maidenhead, SL6 3LJ.

The Awards are a tribute to the memory of dedicated Berkshire conservationist, Dorothy Morley, and are made possible thanks to the generosity of her family.

Applications are being accepted up to 31 May 2012, and the winners will be announced in July.

For more information:  Rhiannon Harrington, Community Wildlife Officer, dmaward@bbowt.org.uk  01628 829574 Ext. 202

Further details can be found on the BBOWT website: http://www.bbowt.org.uk/content.asp?did=23505


Keen nature enthusiasts receive Volunteer Group of the Year award
18 November 2011

Nature enthusiasts from Twyford, Charvil and Woodley, who look after the Loddon community nature reserve in Twyford, have received the Volunteer Group of the Year award from the Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust.

The Friends of the Loddon group, which only formed last year, has already carried out plant, butterfly and dragonfly surveys, pulled out invasive plants, created a butterfly glade and repaired the boardwalk so that more people can discover local wildlife.

From the left, Ashley Oliff, Graham Oliff and Mike Turton received the Volunteer Group of the Year Award from Hugh Mellor, chairman of the Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust.

Friends of the Loddon group (from the left, Ashley Oliff, Graham Oliff and Mike Turton)
received the Volunteer Group of the Year Award from Hugh Mellor, chairman
of the Berks, Bucks & Oxon Wildlife Trust
.

The Wildlife Trust’s chairman Hugh Mellor presented the award to members of the Friends of the Loddon: Mike Turton from Woodley, Graham Oliff and Ashley Oliff from Charvil on Saturday 12 November at the Wildlife Trust’s 50th AGM and conference. “They are an inspiration, showing what passionate people can achieve through teamwork and dedication," said Hugh Mellor.

Friends of the Loddon chairman Ian Absolom from Twyford says the group is making the reserve accessible to everyone. “The Loddon reserve is a wonderful place for the community to enjoy. It’s an undiscovered gem, we’ve come across unexpected things like orchids, and there’s always plenty for people to learn and do. We’re planning to build an otter holt soon.”

Graham Oliff, a work party leader, said: “People love getting stuck in to the practical work. We feel that we’ve done something – really making a change for the local area – it gives us ownership of the reserve.”

Graham’s grandson Ashley (14), who also lives in Charvil, has seen lapwing and herons there. “It’s a lovely quiet place for a walk. There are places around the lake to stop and watch the birds on the island where the oystercatchers breed,” he said.

Rhiannon Harrington, Community Wildlife Officer for Berkshire praised the Friends of the Loddon: “They’ve got great commitment and passion, and put a lot of energy into organising the work parties as well as meetings and events.”

The Loddon community nature reserve is between Twyford and Charvil, south of the Old Bath Road.


 
 

Home | Activities | Events | News | Feedback