A TWO year Wildlife Trust project to protect a Bedfordshire beauty spot is coming to an end this month, writes Emma Boyle.
Wildflower grassland Dropshort Marsh nature reserve near Toddington received a grant of £69,558 from environmental funder the SITA Trust. The money was used to buy new tools and equipment to preserve the natural beauty this countryside scene beholds. Nature Reserves manager Graham Bellamy said: “Much of Britain’s old wildflower grassland has been lost over the last 50 years. The investment has allowed us to improve conditions for wildlife at these reserves.” The widely admired wildlife spot is home to exotically named species of plant including the marsh-marigold, ragged-robin, cuckooflower, pignut and brooklime flower due to bloom this Spring. The geographical gem epitomises raw natural composition with large pollarded willows lining the spring meandering through the reserve. The meadow holds clusters of hedgerows of hazel, hawthorn and blackthorn bushes growing nuts and berries for the animals that reside here. The new tractor, fencing and water supply allow the trust to graze the grasslands in the traditional manner, securing positive futures for such storybook beauties.