PUPILS trod the boards to help open the latest business-funded improvement at a North East nature reserve.
The children, Year 2 students at Choppington First School, started their term with a visit to neighbouring Choppington Community Wood, where they cut the ribbon to officially unveil the newly extended 90m boardwalk.
The scheme, which will allow visitors improved views of the pond which is home to wildlife, including kingfishers, coots and tufted ducks, was paid for by developer Banks Group, through the SENSE II project.
Helping the pupils cut the ribbon, Northumberland Wildlife Trust’s people and wildlife officer Anthony Johnston, who carried out the work along with volunteers Peter Waugh, Peter Ernst and Morris Selby, said: “What a great start to 2012. It’s great to see the schoolchildren cutting the ribbon and getting excited about walking along the boardwalk for the first time.
“Whatever the season, weather or even time of day, Choppington Community Woodland is a peaceful place to be.
“I have a feeling the youngsters will be bringing their family and friends down to show them the wildlife that pops in.”
The South East Northumberland Sustainable Environments II (SENSE) project is a three-year scheme, funded by mining, property and renewable energy developer HJ Banks through their Banks Community Fund.
Managed by Northumberland Wildlife Trust, the charity works in partnership with Northumberland County Council and other conservation organisations, on six reserves in south east Northumberland – Valley Park Local Nature Reserve and Alexandra Park in Cramlington, Isabella Heap in Blyth, Gallagher Park in Bedlington, Prestwick Carr in Dinnington and Choppington Wood.
The aim of the project is to enable people from local communities in south-east Northumberland to understand, appreciate and act to conserve and enhance their local environment.
At Choppington the existing boardwalk and dipping platform by the pond were extended to allow greater access and create improved vantage points to enjoy more of the scenic views.
Although backed by SENSE II, Northumberland County Council provided the materials for the work.
Mark Dowdall, director of environment and community at the Banks Group, said: “We are pleased that the Banks Community Fund has been able to support the valuable work that Northumberland Wildlife Trust is doing in South East Northumberland along with the local community to enhance a number of environmental and biodiversity projects in the area.
“This new boardwalk is a great new facility to allow local people to get close to wildlife.”
