Bag funds for wildlife

Norfolk Wildlife Trust is bidding to bag a cash boost from the Tesco Bags of Help initiative.

Tesco teamed up with Groundwork to launch its community funding scheme, which sees grants of £4,000, £2,000 and £1,000 raised from carrier bag sales in Tesco stores awarded to local community projects.

Shoppers can vote during March and April using a token given to them at the check-out in store each time they shop. Norfolk Wildlife Trust has two initiatives shortlisted:

•    At Stalham Superstore: A community celebration of Broads wildlife with Norfolk Wildlife Trust’s Broadland Local Group at Hickling nature reserve, as part of their 40th anniversary on 14 July 2018.

•    At Hunstanton Superstore and Heacham Express: A project at NWT Holme Dunes National Nature Reserve to create interpretation panels about the wildlife and landscape along this section of the Norfolk Coast Path.

Chief Executive of Norfolk Wildlife Trust, Brendan Joyce OBE said: “the Bags of Help initiative would help our Broadland Local Group reach hundreds of local people at their special birthday event and introduce them to the wonders of wildlife in the Broads National Park. There will be opportunities to take part in arts and crafts, guided walks, and boat trips and water activities on Hickling Broad.

“It would also enhance the visitor experience at our coastal nature reserve, Holme Dunes, and help improve the public’s understanding of how to protect the area’s unique wildlife. Please think of wildlife when you collect your token, we'd really appreciate your support!”

Tesco’s Bags of Help project has already delivered over £40 million to 10,000 projects up and down the UK. Tesco customers get the chance to vote for three different groups every time they shop. Every other month, when votes are collected, three groups in each of Tesco’s regions will be awarded funding.

Alec Brown, Head of Community at Tesco, said: “There are some fantastic projects on the shortlists and we can’t wait to see these come to life in hundreds of communities.”

Groundwork’s National Chief Executive, Graham Duxbury, said: “We’ve been thrilled to see the diversity of projects that have applied for funding, ranging from outdoor classrooms, sports facilities, community gardens, play areas and everything in between.”