National Grid helps Friends of Portbury Wharf create interactive wetlands trail
Portbury Wharf Nature Reserve, a 150-acre green space on the edge of the Severn Estuary between Portishead and Royal Portbury Dock, has completed work on its new Portishead Wetlands Trail thanks to £20,000 in funding from National Grid.
The Wetlands Trail is designed to be both educational and enjoyable, featuring twelve vibrantly designed lecterns with interchangeable seasonal wildlife panels. They include facts and quizzes about the local wildlife, a charming Bug House to promote biodiversity, and the Wilbur Water Vole Trail for visitors to explore. These elements make the trail a wonderful destination for families, nature enthusiasts, and anyone looking to enjoy the great outdoors.
The Friends of Portbury Wharf has been able to install these features, update the nature reserve map, create a dedicated Wetlands Trail webpage, and provide both digital and physical resources to enhance visitor experience.
Portbury Wharf is home to a section of the Hinkley Connection Project, and National Grid is dedicated to positively impacting the local community through initiatives like this. The funding was awarded through National Grid’s Community Grant Programme, which supports local community organisations and charities in areas affected by our operations and construction activities.
Alex Kraitman, Project Manager at Hinkley Connection Project, said:
We are incredibly proud to support projects like the Portishead Wetlands Trail, which is a fantastic example of the Community Grant Programme in action and our commitment to enriching communities and promoting environmental stewardship.
This exciting new trail is a fantastic addition to the local community, offering a unique opportunity to connect with nature and discover the diverse wildlife in the area. We hope everyone enjoys exploring the new trail and that it continues to benefit the local community for many years to come.
National Grid’s Community Grant Programme has provided more than 100 grants, totalling £1.6 million, to support local projects along the route of the Hinkley Connection Project. The programme supports community groups and charities along the project route deliver initiatives that benefit communities and leave a positive legacy for the future.
Local civic and community groups affected by construction works associated with the project may still be eligible to apply for grants of up to £20,000. Full details of the eligibility criteria and application process are available here.
Or find out how to visit the Portishead Wetlands Trail here: wetlandstrail.org
