Wildlife to benefit from funding boost

Wildlife hotspots and important habitats will be the focus of a new project in the New Forest thanks to European funding.
 
July 25, 2012 - PRLog -- The New Forest National Park Authority has received just over £45,000 from the New Forest RDPE (Rural Development Programme for England) Leader Programme for a one year pilot project to work with a small number of local community groups and parish councils to develop community wildlife plans.

The wildlife plans will identify habitats such as grassland, hedgerows, ponds, rivers and woodland and the wildlife species that live in them. The aim is to help local residents better understand the importance of where they live and how changes in wildlife management and restoration projects will enhance these areas.

The parishes of Godshill, Hordle, Landford, Marchwood, Milford on Sea, New Milton and West Wellow have been chosen as pilot areas. In each area community wildlife champions will receive training from a project officer and work with the Land Advice Service to lead survey work and become local experts on natural environment issues.

Kathryn Boler, External Funding Officer at the New Forest National Park Authority, said: ‘This project will help New Forest communities to better understand the wildlife around them so that they can help to protect key habitats and species in future years.  
‘It is a great opportunity for people with an interest in wildlife to get involved and find out what is on their doorstep.’

Sally Igra, New Forest RDPE (Leader) Programme Manager at New Forest District Council, said: ‘The local action group was very pleased to support this project which will help residents of the New Forest to gain a better knowledge of the wildlife in their parishes.’

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Notes to Editor:
For more information on the New Forest (RDPE) Leader programme visit www.newforestleader.org.uk.

New Forest Land Advice Service
Providing independent land management advice across the New Forest and Avon Valley
The New Forest Land Advice Service is available to landowners and occupiers who would like advice and support on a wide range of issues relating to land management. The advisors operate across the National Park, the Avon Valley and the coastal plain.
The service offers:
-A free and independent service for the land managing community in and around the New Forest and Avon Valley
-Support for landowners, farmers, New Forest Commoners, equine owners, graziers and community groups
-Advice to anyone who owns or manages a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation (SINC) in the area
-A small grant scheme which can support capital works which benefit the landscape, biodiversity and cultural heritage of the area
To find out more about the New Forest Land Advice Service, or arrange a visit, please call 01590 646696 or email enquiries@nflandadvice.org.uk

About the New Forest National Park Authority
Protect - Enjoy - Prosper
The New Forest National Park Authority’s statutory purposes are to:
-Conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the Park - Protect
-Promote opportunities for understanding and enjoyment of its special qualities – Enjoy.

We also have a duty to:
-Seek to foster the social and economic well-being of local communities within the Park – Prosper.

The New Forest National Park was designated in March 2005. Its unique landscape has been shaped over the centuries by grazing ponies, cattle and pigs which roam free. Majestic woodlands, rare heathland and a spectacular coastline provide fabulous opportunities for quiet recreation, enjoyment and discovery.

Visit http://www.newforestnpa.gov.uk to find out more.

Media Contact:
Karen Evans-McDaid, Communications Officer, New Forest National Park Authority
Tel: 01590 646650
Email: karen.evans-mcdaid@newforestnpa.gov.uk
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