CHILDREN from North Yorkshire will soon be enjoying a special conservation experience on grouse moors with BASC thanks to funding from North Yorkshire Police.
A £3,000 grant from the Police Property Fund will enable hundreds of youngsters between the ages of six and 11 to take part in experience days which will see them visiting the North York Moors, helping with conservation tasks and learning about habitat and wildlife unique to the region.
BASC north regional officer Gareth Dockerty applied for money from the fund which turns unreturnable stolen or recovered goods into grants for local community groups.
He said: “We applied for this funding to create opportunities for primary school children to really engage in learning about the wildlife and environment on their doorstep.
“These conservation days will provide an unforgettable experience for youngsters who may not even be aware of the local habitat and will allow them to find out all about life on the moors through the eyes of a local gamekeeper and through tailored activities.”
North Yorkshire Police Chief Constable Dave Jones judged applications for this round of funding alongside his Police and Crime Commissioner, Julia Mulligan, and was keen to support BASC’s application with one of the fund’s largest ever grants.
Chief Constable Jones said: “This project – one which is close to my heart in my role as the national police lead for rural and wildlife crime – will see children in our region enjoying a special conservation experience on the North York Moors.
“On one of these days, the young people – who may have little direct experience of our local habitat – will visit the grouse moors, help out with conservation tasks and learn about the environment and fascinating wildlife unique to our region.
“It feels right that the proceeds from stolen goods are providing a bit of extra support to community ventures, rather than lining criminals’ pockets.”