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20 May 2007
Folly Wood appeal reaches its deadline!
£24,000 is raised to buy this fantastic site for people and wildlife
Local people and businesses in Bedfordshire have rallied round to help the local Wildlife Trust to buy Folly Wood, near Flitwick. An amazing £24,000 has been donated to The Wildlife Trust’s urgent appeal fund to pay for the purchase of this unique wood which boasts a rare collection of birds, insects and plants.
The appeal closing date has now passed but funds are still needed and The Trust can continue to accept gifts beyond this date. The completion date for purchase is anticipated to be this week and any further gifts would be gratefully received to ensure the entire amount needed to buy the land is raised
Kathryn Ingall, coordinating the appeal for the Wildlife Trust is delighted by the success of the appeal:“We have had a terrific response from local people and businesses, and we are very grateful for all the donations we have received. We're hoping that late donations will help us reach our £26,000 target, and are very optimistic as we know how much people value their local wildlife and countryside and want to protect it.”
Natural England have given generous funding, and local authorities such as Beds County Council, Mid-Beds District Council and Flitwick Town Council have also contributed. The Wildlife Trust are also grateful to the Major Simon Whitbread Trust who have also agreed to lend their support.
Special mention goes to Greenfield Lower School whose pupils, teachers and parents have raised over £800 through a sponsored bug hunt. Also the members of Flitwick and District Heritage Group and Ampthill District Lions Club have given generous gifts towards the Appeal. One local business came up trumps – Flitwick Motorcycles donated £100 to the Appeal.
Folly Wood is part of Flitwick Moor, which is recognised as a nationally important Site of Special Scientific Interest, lying along the river Flit between Flitwick and Ampthill. It is full of rare and unusual mosses, ferns, insects and birds, some of which are found nowhere else in the county.
Graham Bellamy, Trust conservation manager in Bedfordshire explained; “We are absolutely committed to protecting this vital piece of Bedfordshire’s natural heritage and delighted that the owners have accepted our offer to buy the site. We have now exchanged contracts, and are very nearly there in raising the £26,000 needed to compete the purchase. The Trust will then be able to care for the site and secure its future as a nature reserve, providing a vital home for wildlife and an exciting and attractive place for local people to enjoy. “
We are really grateful to everyone in and around Flitwick and beyond who have made it possible for the Wildife Trust to safeguard Folly Wood for local people and wildlife forever.
If you or your company would like to support the appeal, you can donate either online, by phone or by post. You can get more information about the appeal or the work of the Wildlife Trust at Flitwick or elsewhere by contacting Graham or Kathryn on 01234 364213 or email Bedfordshire (at) wildlifebcnp.org
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Please call 01954 713500 with your card details. |
Please print off the Appeal leaflet and send to: |
