Welcome Water wins for wildlife

With longer days ahead, now’s the perfect time to explore our amazing nature reserves. It’s in summer that we see the benefits of all the hard work that went on over winter, much of it completed by our incredible volunteers. Volunteering is the backbone of our organisation, from helping to manage our sites, to assisting with events. On page 5 you can read about the remarkable 50 years that the Holwell Group has worked to manage this reserve – an astounding achievement.

We recently recruited a dedicated Volunteer Coordinator to help support our volunteers and those wishing to start. Please get in contact if this interests you, as it’s a great way to help nature, meet new people and get outdoors.

Having begun my career as a biologist with the National Rivers Authority, water and its crucial role for wildlife has always been a passion of mine. In this issue we look at its importance on some of our reserves and offer inspiration to incorporate a pond in your own garden. A few years ago, I dug a small pond with my children and today it’s full of life, with dragonflies and damselflies and plenty of newts – even great crested ones!

Rutland Water celebrates its 50th anniversary next year. Since the nature reserve was created it has a ained international importance for conservation. You can read about the water testing we do there from page 16.

Another major water-related project we are excited to be a part of is the Restoring the Soar project in Leicester. The project will help local people benefit from the nature found around the river, while restoring an area previously neglected for wildlife. It is truly wonderful to see initiatives like this improving water in our counties and encouraging people to enjoy it.

I hope you have a great summer and enjoy all the wildlife around.

Mat Carter CEO