On Saturday 30th September, we hosted a fundraising walk and series of wildlife activities at the Downton Jubilee Walk to raise money for Oakhaven Hospice – part of an ongoing challenge to raise as much money as possible for the local charity. To date, NMSB have raised over £21,000 for the local charity through a series of fundraising events since 2016.

The 1-mile walk took place around the picturesque lakes at the restored Downton Quarry, allowing families the opportunity to observe the wildlife that has been attracted to the new habitats created – from badgers and bumblebees to bats and several species of birds. Other activities enjoyed on the day included:

• Fun crafts and bug hunting sessions with the Bumblebee Conservation Trust.
• The chance to meet Bruce, a Friesian therapy horse.
• A bird spotting talk and walk with a local bird conservationist Bob Lord.
• A fun and educational wildlife activity trail to discover along the route with a Bug House to take home, made by the local Men's Shed.

Rob Flower, Managing Director of New Milton Sand and Ballast comments: “The fundraising walk and activities will raise important funds for a charity that is particularly close to our hearts at New Milton Sand and Ballast, along with the other wildlife charities we work with who supported us on the day. These types of events enable us to showcase the fantastic results we have achieved so far in increasing biodiversity through our restoration, and again promote this new walk that the community can all benefit from."

Gill Perkins, CEO of the Bumblebee Conservation trust comments: “It is always rewarding to work with children about bees and bugs, a great way to teach them of their importance especially as they are fascinated by them.”

Please click here to find out more about the Downton Jubilee Walk.