CUMBRIA Wildlife Trust have received a £21,000 donation to encourage local community involvement on its nature reserves in the north of the county from Barclays Community Programme.

And, as well as donating cash, Barclays is actively encouraging its staff to get involved in projects. In addition, it is supporting employees who are making their own individual contributions to the community through personal fund-raising or donating their time and expertise.

Cumbria has more wildlife sites of national and international importance than any other county and CWT cares for more than 40 nature reserves, including peat bogs, limestone pavements, ancient woodlands and coastal sites. Projects being carried out by the CWT in the Eden Valley include the care of the Augill Pasture and Woods, Waitby Greenriggs, Smardale and Tarn Sike around Kirkby Stephen and at Newton Reigny, near Penrith.

The area has a number of active support groups including those of the Upper Eden, which meets monthly at Kirkby Stephen Grammar School and has working parties of volunteers; Penrith; and North Cumbria.

A registered charity, established in 1962, CWT has more than 15,000 members and works in partnership with landowners, local authorities, other conservation organisations and businesses to conserve and protect wildlife and wild places throughout Cumbria.

Rachel Herbinson, Barclays Regional Community Manager for the North West, said: "At Barclays we are committed to communities and we are delighted to be able to support Cumbria Wildlife Trust with its Wildlife Havens' project in the north of the county. We are looking forward to supporting our staff with their volunteering with the trust and would encourage anyone interested in improving their local environment to do the same.

"Cumbria Wildlife Trust does not just manage its nature reserves for wildlife, but also for the enjoyment of people who visit them. The trust will be using its grant from Barclays to provide opportunities on six of its nature reserves for local volunteers to take part in practical conservation tasks. In addition, access to the reserves will be highlighted, enabling communities to celebrate their local natural heritage and recognise the unique qualities of local habitats for wildlife."