By Isle of Wight Observer
More than £34,000 has been donated by a regional co-operative to wildlife projects in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, helping communities discover nature in their neighbourhoods. The funding from Southern Co-op supports a variety of local schemes, run by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust.
Eight Wildlife Watch groups have been set up across Hampshire and the Island. These monthly nature clubs give children aged five to 15 years the chance to explore local wild places and wildlife with activities ranging from nature hunts to woodwork. The funding has also helped to set up outdoor exploration sessions for nearly 1,000 children and over 250 adults.
Becky O’Melia, Education and Engagement Manager at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, said: “Southern Co-op’s support has been invaluable to our work connecting people with their local green spaces. We look forward to building on the success of these projects and continuing to help people get in touch with nature.”
Gemma Lacey, Southern Co-op’s Director of Sustainability and Communications, said: “It is vital that local businesses support our communities and the environment, giving our society and planet the chance to sustain itself and hopefully thrive.
“Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, through its incredible work, gives people the opportunity to connect with our natural world. Through that connection they learn more about our environment and our wildlife and its value. We hope the projects we have helped to support will bring a variety of positive impacts for now and the future.”
