Preserve Our Reserve - Thursley NNR Support Fund

On Saturday 30th May 2020 at 4:30pm, a devastating fire broke out on the Thursley National Nature Reserve affecting 150 hectares.  Firefighters from 4 counties, supported by local farmers, fought the blaze over 3 days and nights.
 
The reserve comprises of extensive areas of open dry heathland, peat bogs, pine and deciduous woodlands.  There are over 20 species of dragonflies and damselflies who live and hunt around the open ponds and ditches of the reserve as well as an array of birds which include Dartford warblers, stone chats, red kites, gold crests, red starts, white throats and wheatears.

We are seeking funds to help restore, and preserve for the future, this important nature reserve.  Funds will be used as follows:

Initial clearance works:
 - to make the area safe 
 - to promote early regeneration of the flora and fauna

Preservation projects:
 - focusing on restoring the habitat as quickly as possible, to preserve the remaining wildlife and fauna

Information & fire prevention:
 - replacement and enhancement of information boards and fire safety measures.

Updates on how funds are spent will be shared on our websites and Facebook groups:

Elstead website      |    Elstead Facebook Group 
Thursley website   |    Thursley Facebook Group 

Any donation, no matter how large or small will be gratefully received.

All funds will be managed jointly by Elstead and Thursley Parish Councils who will liaise with Natural England over the projects.

Thank you for your support.

Elstead and Thursley Parish Councils
Elstead Parish Chair - Pat Murphy,  Thursley Parish Chair - James Mendelssohn

Any questions can be sent to the Parish Clerks:
Juliet Williams, Elstead Parish Council at [email redacted] and
Elaine Felton, Thursley Parish Council at [email redacted]

Parish websites:  www.elsteadvillage.co.uk  and www.thursley-pc.gov.uk/



Photo courtesy of Richard Pohle/The Times