Pennington glows with pride as she reports that the population on the Fylde Coast is now “doing really well”.
“We’ve seen eggshells, so we know they’re breeding, and one brave female has even made it north across Clifton Drive and onto the nature reserve. Now we know they can make it across, we can look at the reserve and do some management on there to make it a more effective habitat for them.”
But she says it’s very unlikely members of the public will spot them, and warns against looking.
“They’re a protected species so you need a licence to be able to look for them. We have lots of volunteers who have signed up to go out and survey them but we don’t want them to be disturbed by the general public. They’re also very hard to find. You have to go out in the right conditions, at the right time, and on your own when it’s quiet, so the chances of seeing them is very slim.”
“I’m proud that the dunes are here because of me. We’re looking after them,”
As midafternoon approaches Pennington says that the 50 per cent of trees allocated for planting today have almost gone. She’s considering using a few more from tomorrow’s stock because rain is forecast and she’s not sure the turn out will be as good. Navigating the elements like this is a key part of her job. Usually the planting happens over three days but this year tide times have restricted it to two.
Still hard at work are volunteers from Blackburn-based Purple Patch – a non-profit organisation addressing the unmet needs of disabled people, in particular those from an ethnic minority heritage.
“I’m proud that the dunes are here because of me. We’re looking after them,” says Shakil Ahmed, one adult service user. “Me and my friends have helped to make it a nicer and safer place for the wildlife and the environment. We come here for walks sometimes, and picnics, even though we’re from Blackburn, so it’s nice to look after them.”
Staff member Rafik Jasad, who’s brought the group today, tells Ahmed he should be very proud.
“We’re trying to get our group connected to nature, connected to wildlife, connected to the natural world and to try and learn about important environmental issues,” he says.
“A lot of our guys find it very difficult to come out on their own and need one-to-one support. That means that a lot of the time it’s difficult, especially for families because they have other children to look after. When they come to us we try and ensure they get the opportunity to get out and experience the outdoors.
“Absolutely every one of us loves it,” adds Jasad. “The fresh sea air, and what that does for you physiologically and psychologically, is very therapeutic.”
To volunteer with the Fylde Sand Dunes Project or to find out about upcoming events, visit their website.
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