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27 July 2007
Anthills saved on Northamptonshire nature reserve
Project funding has enabled a biodiversity makeover at Twywell Hills and Dales
Twywell Hills and Dales nature reserve has had a biodiversity makeover, thanks to a £20,950 grant from The Hanson Environment Fund for The Wildlife Trust's The Anthills Project, enabling the charity to carry out practical conservation work to protect the important Limestone Grassland habitats at the East Northamptonshire nature reserve.
The grant was used to remove around three hectares of scrubby bushes and young trees that were taking over the steep gullet area. This revealed the important limestone grassland and allowed specialised flowers, such as bladder campion and wild strawberry, to make a comeback. Contractors tackled the major work while the Trust’s dedicated volunteers spent two weeks clearing scrub and sycamore from the gullet as well as keeping the paths clear for visitors.
The Wildlife Trust was also able to fence different compartments to introduce 16 rare-breed Hebridean and North Ronaldsay sheep to munch down the brambles and coarse weeds. Six friendly Murray Grey cattle were also set to work on the hilly Whitestones area once the fencing was installed.
Dave Large, unit manager for Hanson, says “This project is one of the last to be funded by the Hanson Environment Fund, and fits in perfectly with our aim of safeguarding biodiversity. By helping to restore important habitats and improve visitor access, we are pleased to have been able to support the Trust in this work.”
Twywell Hills and Dales is a special place for wildlife - It is highlighted as a case study in two local Biodiversity Action Plans for our rarest and most threatened habitats and species. As its name suggests, the former quarry has very interesting landscape features. Thin soils have developed over limestone exposed by quarrying. As a result, the mile-long gullet, one of the ‘dales’, provides amazingly diverse habitats. It has been notified as a Site of Special Scientific Interest and is one of only two quarries in the county with this status.
A rare species found nowhere else in the county, a red ant, Myrmica Schencki, and rare flies, dragonflies and beetles, such as flea beetle, all depend on the unusual conditions here. The reserve is a very popular site with visitors from surrounding villages, and Kettering, coming to walk dogs, get some fresh air and escape into the wilderness.
The Hanson Environment Fund has distributed more than £17.5 million to 904 projects since 1997, using landfill tax money generated by the building materials company. This £20,950 grant includes a £2,095 contribution from East Northants Council, which owns the site. Under government regulations only 90 per cent of a grant can be provided from landfill tax money, the remainder must come from another source.
Representatives from the funders, Trust volunteers and local dignitaries visited Twywell Hills and Dales to see the results of the project on Friday 27 July. For more information about this project please call Tamzin Hackett on 01604 405285 or email tamzin.hackett (at) wildlifebcnp.org