Huge changes have been planned for a section of the River Trent as parcel delivery company has donated almost £100,000 to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds to help support its work in restoring a sand and gravel quarry on the banks. The conservation charity is working on a flagship project in partnership with Tarmac regarding Langford Lowfields, near Newark.
The reserve covers 120 hectares and provides a haven for nature with the largest reedbed in the East Midlands at the heart of the site, surrounded by wildflower-rich meadows, blocks of scrub and an area of mature woodland. The area also has booming bitterns, brown hares, breeding bearded tits, marsh harriers, avocets, large flocks of wintering wildfowl and mesmerising starling murmurations.
To keep the reedbed healthy for the wildlife the water levels need to be managed, but this is currently hindered by failing sluices. DPD has donated £90,000 from its innovative Eco Fund to help the RSPB install two new, double-leaf penstock sluices, to ensure water levels can be accurately and efficiently controlled.
Does more need to be done to clamp down on doug fouling? Let us know
This will help with the ongoing establishment of the reedbed, whilst also increasing the biodiversity of the site. DPD's funding will allow for 18 hectares of wetland to be managed more effectively for nature, which is equivalent to 144 Olympic-size swimming pools.
The work will be carried out during late summer as this is after the bird breeding season and when water levels are lower, with work expected to be completed by the end of Autumn 2023. Rebecca Munro, Director of Income and Conservation Investment at the RSPB commented: “Wetlands are some of the most biodiverse places on the planet and provide a vital habitat for wildlife.
"Globally, freshwater species have declined by 83% since the 1970s, so it’s essential we manage our existing wetlands in the best way for nature. We’re thrilled that DPD’s generous donation will help the RSPB to improve precious wetland habitat and boost biodiversity at Langford Lowfields."
Tim Jones, Director of Marketing, Communications and Sustainability, DPD group UK, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be able to support the RSPB on this project.
"Our aim is to be the most sustainable parcel delivery company in the UK and as well as transforming our own operation, we want to support organisations able to directly protect and enhance the ecosystems we are all reliant on. Langford Lowfields is already a great example of how business and conservation can co-exist and we look forward to working together this year and to making a difference for many years to come.”
READ NEXT:
Nottingham Forest player ratings - Johnson scores as Reds draw with Wolves
Vigil held to pay respects to Fatoumatta Hydara and her 2 children in fatal fire
Aldi, Lidl and ASDA warnings as items recalled and pulled from shelves
Families love life on 'really noisy' Nottingham road that is 'central to everything
Commemorative bike ride to honour cyclist who helped make important changes in city
