Plastic bags fund wildlife project

A WILDLIFE project in Gwent that will teach children about a nationally important nature reserve can now begin after it received funding raised by the 5p plastic-bag levy.

The Gwent Wildlife Trust was awarded £5,000 by the Tesco Bags of Help initiative after shoppers voted it as their most-deserving local project in January.

Work will now begin using the funds to bring school children to Magor Marsh reserve near Newport, so they can learn about its rare wildlife – which includes the endangered water vole.

Alice Rees, who is the water vole project officer at the reserve, said: “We are so grateful to shoppers in Tesco for choosing our project to win top prize.

“We can’t wait to bring more children to take part in our outdoor learning sessions at Magor Marsh.

“Not only will we have a positive impact on the education of the children who visit us, we will also improve their health and well-being.

“Outdoor learning makes children happier, healthier and fitter and they will gain a greater love and understanding of the wildlife on their doorstep.”

Magor Marsh is the last remnant of the once huge natural fenlands that covered the Gwent Levels.

Lindsey Crompton, Tesco’s head of community, said: “We’ve been overwhelmed by the response from our customers.

“The great thing about Bags of Help is that local people are invited to decide how the money will be spent in their community. We can’t wait to see the projects come to life.”

Bags of Help is supported by money from the five pence charge levied on single-use carrier bags.

So far the scheme has awarded more than £27m to over 3,500 community projects.