Mobility Buggy at Testwood Lakes
12 January 2012
An all-terrain electric buggy service for visitors to Testwood Lakes Nature Reserve is a step nearer thanks to a generous donation from The Co-operative. The service will be aimed at elderly and less abled members of the public so that they can fully enjoy the wildlife and visitor attractions at the nature reserve.
The electric buggy itself has already been kindly donated by a local benefactor and the latest donation will help pay for the buggy store, electric hook-up, and associated infrastructure to make the service feasible.
A main aim of the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust is to inspire people from all walks of life to get involved and enjoy wildlife. The buggy service for the less able will help to ensure that access to Testwood Lakes is open to all.
Dave Griffiths, Vice-Chair of The Co-operative, Solent Area Committee was delighted to present a cheque for £2,000 to the Wildlife Trust’s John O’Reilly. Dave said, “The Cooperative Membership Community Fund allows members to donate some of their share of profits to local community groups. Supporting the Wildlife Trust is a great way of helping people to enjoy the wildlife on their doorstep.”
John O’Reilly added, “We are really very grateful for the support we get from local businesses. We now just need to find the remaining £1,000 to reach our target, that will enable us to get the buggy service up and running.”
A similar service exists at the Wildlife Trust’s Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve and has proved to be extremely popular since its launch in 2009. More details are available on the Wildlife Trust’s website on www.hwt.org.uk
If you can help find the remaining amount, please contact John O’Reilly on 01489 774400 or johnor@hwt.org.uk
Ends
Photo opportunity
The attached photos show:
Dave Griffiths, The Co-operative, presenting the cheque to John O’Reilly, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, at Testwood Lakes Nature Reserve;
Similar mobility buggies in action at Blashford Lakes Nature Reserve.
For additional images or to arrange photography, please contact:
John O’Reilly, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust on 01489 774400 or johnor@hwt.org.uk
Notes to Editors
For further information please contact:
John O’Reilly, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust on 01489 774400 or johnor@hwt.org.uk
The Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust strives to create a better future for wildlife and wild places in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. It is the leading wildlife charity in the counties of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, and is part of a nationwide network of 47 local charities. We work together to create a better future for wildlife and wild places in the UK. With the support of our 28,000 members, the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust is taking effective action to protect our natural heritage, helping it to flourish again. Find out more at www.hwt.org.uk
