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3 April 2007
Help save Bedfordshire's mossy heaven!
The Wildlife Trust needs to raise urgent funds to buy Folly Wood
The Wildlife Trust today launched an urgent appeal to local people to help raise £26,000 to buy Folly Wood, a special place for wildlife between Flitwick and Ampthill.
Bubbling with natural springs, Folly Wood is a haven for rare species of plants and animals. It is considered to be second only to the New Forest National Park in terms of the number of moss species. Lying next to the Trust’s existing nature reserve at Flitwick Moor, Folly Wood forms a crucial part of this Site of Special Scientific Interest, famed for its rare wildlife, including locally scarce birds such as lesser spotted woodpecker and water rail.
The Wildlife Trust’s conservation manager, Graham Bellamy, who launched the appeal, explains. "Folly Wood is a mossy heaven, teeming with wildlife. It is vitally important that we protect the areas of the moor that are left, so that future generations can enjoy this enchanting place. Folly Wood is one of the most important pieces left to safeguard; please help us do this.”
Recently, the Wildlife Trust was given the opportunity to buy the 17 acre Folly Wood site, which lies on the northern edge of the existing nature reserve. Graham and his team have already received a pledge of support from Natural England for £14,000, and they are busy approaching local authorities and other organisations for support.
In addition, the Trust is appealing to local people for support. They have set a target of £26,000 and Graham is confident that they will be successful; “The Wildlife Trust has worked closely with the local people of Flitwick for many years. Folly Wood is a vital part of the area’s green belt and we hope that local people will be keen to help us secure the future of this wonderful site.”
If you would like to support the appeal, please choose one of the following options:
Donate online: |
Donate by phone: |
Donate by post: |
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Please call 01954 713500 with your card details. |
Please print off the Appeal leaflet and send to: |
If you would like any further information about the appeal or the work of the Wildlife Trust at Flitwick or elsewhere, please contact Graham or Kathryn on 01234 364213 or email Bedfordshire@wildlifebcnp.org