A 44-acre former dairy farm in North Somerset is slated for transformation into a wetlands and nature reserve, described by conservationists as a "beacon of hope" for wildlife and a changing climate.
Avon Wildlife Trust acquired Ebdon Farm near Wick St Lawrence using a £5 million grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. The trust plans to convert the land, which it characterized as "nature depleted," into a haven for diverse species. This initiative represents the largest project ever undertaken by the organization.
Shelly Easton, a representative for the trust, stated that decisive action is necessary to demonstrate the potential for a nature-positive future that benefits wildlife, agriculture, and communities. "Ebdon Farm is that beacon of hope," Easton said.
The transformed reserve is intended to provide a habitat for birds, bats, and newts, contributing to biodiversity and climate resilience. The project aims to create a sanctuary that supports both ecological health and human connection with nature.