CUMBRIA Wildlife Trust has won a £21,000 grant from Barclay's Bank in a donation to encourage local community involvement on their nature reserves in the north of the county.

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 CWT with its Wildlife Havens project in the north of the county. We are looking forward to supporting the trust and would encourage anyone interested in improving their local environment to do the same."

The trust will be using its grant from Barclays to provide opportunities on six of its nature reserves for 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.

Kerry Milligan, CWT's Senior Reserves Officer, said: "We are delighted to have support from Barclay's, not only in the form of funds, but also through employees volunteering. Over the next three years, we will be using our grant to generate almost 800 volunteer days on our nature reserves in the north of the county. Volunteers play an essential role in helping the trust achieve its aims and we are looking forward to increasing community involvement in the north of the county."