£2,000 boost for nature reserve buggy service (From Daily Echo)

£2,000 boost for buggy service at Testwood Lakes nature reserve

3:30pm Monday 23rd January 2012 in Charity By Tara Russell, News Reporter

The buggies

AN ALL-TERRAIN electric buggy service for visitors to a Hampshire nature reserve is a step closer thanks to a big donation.

The Co-operative Solent Area Committee has donated £2,000 to pay for a buggy store and associated electrics to ensure people who are less able can get around Testwood Lakes.

It comes just after a local benefactor gave the electric buggy itself.

Now the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust site needs £1,000 more to get the buggy service up and running.

The service will be aimed at elderly and less able members of the public to ensure they fully enjoy the wildlife and visitor attractions at the nature reserve.

The wildlife trust said the donations will make sure the lakes are open to everyone.

Vice-chair of the Co-operative Solent Area Committee Dave Griffiths presented the cheque to the trust’s John O’Reilly.

He said: “The Co-operative Membership Community Fund allows members to donate some of their share of profits to local community groups. Supporting the wildlife trust is a great way of helping people to enjoy the wildlife on their doorstep.”

Mr O’Reilly, added: “We are really grateful for the support we get from local businesses.

We nowjust need to find the remaining £1,000 to reach our target, that will enable us to get the buggy service up and running.”

The trust said a similar service exists at the Blashford Lakes nature reserve.

If you can help find the remaining amount, contact John O’Reilly on 01489 774400 or johnor@hwt.org.uk.