A CONSERVATION scheme at a Richmondshire nature reserve has received a £29,000 cash boost from the district council.

The Foxglove Covert Local Nature Reserve project has been awarded almost £9,000 from the authority’s social fund.

A large portion of the funding was used to construct a number of interpretation boards which are located inside the outdoor classroom.

The boards will serve as real benefit to the children and young people who attend for educational visits.

The project also aims to protect the moorland habitats.

The reserve – which covers 100 acres of moorland adjacent to Cambrai Lines at the heart of Catterick Garrison – is home to more than 2,680 species of plants, birds, butterflies and other animals and has a state of the art field centre available for use by the local community and other users.

The moorland is a fundamental part of these habitats but it is also an area in danger of reverting to woodland. The project aims to protect the area to make it a more sustainable resource for the future use, study and enjoyment of visitors together with interpretative signage and resources that make the reserve accessible to everyone.

“Our funding will help protect a vitally important area of Richmondshire for future generations” said Council Deputy Leader, Councillor Ian Threlfall.

“This is exactly what we want our grant funding to do – a small amount can make a massive difference to a scheme’s success.”