JCB helps sow seeds for success

DIGGER-GIANT DONATES £15K TO GROWING WILDLIFE HAVEN

A NATURE reserve which has become a haven for endangered wildlife is celebrating the next stage of its growth thanks to a donation from JCB.

The 11-acre Tean Valley Meadow Nature Reserve, at Hollington Lane, Stramshall, near Uttoxeter, has been awarded £15,000 in a three-year support package from JCB.

What started out as a retirement project for founders Alan Williams and his late wife Sylvia in 2002 has become a regional visitor attraction and respected national haven for flora and fauna.

The reserve features a natural planted woodland of more than 5,000 trees, including 24 native species, a wildflower meadow, and a wetland area.

It has become a nationally recognised site for endangered species of barn owls and newts – both of which are thriving on the site.

The Trust is run by Alan, 81, a team of four trustees and a number of volunteers, whose aim is to raise awareness of environmental issues and build support among the community.

The team has a particular focus on encouraging young people to develop craft skills and knowledge of the natural environment, with hundreds of young people and families visiting the reserve each year.

Alan, of Foston, Derbyshire, said: “The JCB support enables us to continue to improve the site and to develop the wetland scrapes, which are home to many endangered species of newts.

“Our aim is to keep improving the habitat, sharing our knowledge through craft courses and talks and preserving the site for generations to come.

“We cannot thank JCB enough for its support.”

A JCB spokesman said: “Alan and his late wife’s commitment to the environment is a shining example of what can be achieved with vision and hard work.

“Such dedication to creating and developing this wildlife haven on our doorstep is something we are delighted to support.”

Anyone interested in visiting Tean Valley Meadow Nature Reserve, or getting involved in volunteering, can find out more at www.teanvalleymeadow.org.uk .

Such dedication to developing this wildlife haven on our doorstep is something we are delighted to support JCB

Preparing the groundwork for a successful future with their JCB mini-excavator are (left to right) nature reserve founder Alan Williams with supporters Mandy Smith, Julie Ireland and Mike Ireland.