NEWS
MAJOR WIN FOR NATURE IN CANTERBURY WITH NEW PROTECTED STATUS insideSTORY
Conservationists and local volunteers are celebrating after Old Park and Chequers Wood, a unique green space on the outskirts of Canterbury, has been officially designated as a Local Wildlife Site( LWS).
Covering around 200 hectares, Old Park and Chequers Wood is a rich-mosaic of habitats, from acid grassland and scrub to ancient woodland. It supports rare and declining species of plants, reptiles, birds and invertebrates, with 16 plant species listed on the Kent Rare Plant Register.
The new LWS covers one third of the site, adding to the existing protections on the other half of the land, which is already designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest( SSSI).
The designation, led by Kent Wildlife Trust in partnership with landowners and local community groups, recognises the site’ s outstanding biodiversity, its value to the community and its crucial role in the wider landscape- including helping to buffer the neighbouring SSSI.
The designation was confirmed by the Kent Nature Partnership and Canterbury City Council- a result which conservationists have hailed as a significant win for nature. As the city faces continued development pressures, the success of Old Park and Chequers Wood is a solid example of grassroots conservation, ensuring Canterbury’ s natural heritage is safeguarded for future generations.
CHURCHILL LIVING RAISES 2K FOR BEAMS CHARITY
Over 60’ s developer Churchill Living recently hosted a fundraising event for local charity, Beams, at Burlington Lodge and raised a total of £ 2,255. Visitors were welcomed to the lodge for the afternoon, where they enjoyed a selection of garden games, tea and cakes, a tombola and a raffle.
The Churchill Foundation contributed to the total raised, matching up to £ 1,000 of every donation made to Beams under its match-funding initiative.
Churchill Living specialises in purpose-built apartments designed specifically to meet the needs of older people, enabling them to enjoy an active, independent and sociable lifestyle.
Beams is an organisation dedicated to supporting disabled children, young people and their families when they need it most. They provide comprehensive support services to over 450 children with any form of physical, learning or sensory impairment in Dartford, Gravesham, Sevenoaks and the surrounding areas.
Charlie Gray, divisional marketing lead for Churchill Living South East, said:“ We’ re thrilled to have raised such a fantastic amount for Beams, a charity that makes a real difference to families in our local community. The event was a great success thanks to the support of our owners, colleagues and visitors to the lodge and we’ re proud to continue supporting causes that are close to the hearts of those who live and work with us.”
DOVER TO DEAL- 20KM COASTAL WALK FOR CURE PARKINSON’ S 20TH YEAR
Theresa Samworth from Tunbridge Wells has completed a 20km coastal walk from Dover to Deal to mark the 20th anniversary of Cure Parkinson’ s.
Having worked for the charity for 14 years, Theresa wanted to take on the challenge in memory of its co-founder, Tom Isaacs, and to raise funds for friends living with the condition.
In 2002, Tom walked the 4,500 mile coastline of Britain over the course of a year to raise the funds that would set up Cure Parkinson’ s in 2005. Theresa and her friends, many of whom have been personally affected by Parkinson’ s, retracted part of the original route along the White Cliffs of Diver, following in his footsteps two decades later.
“ I’ m really pleased to have gathered a group of Cure Parkinson’ s supporters to walk the coastal path across the white cliffs of Dover, retracing the steps that the charity co-founder Tom Isaacs took before he set up the charity 20 years ago,” said fundraiser Samantha.
Since Cure Parkinson’ s was founded, they have funded millions of pounds of research, made scientific discoveries and opened new avenues of research. On this anniversary year, they are more determined than ever to find a cure.
194 • www. insidekent. co. uk