MUCH needed equipment for use at WWT Caerlaverock’s 1400 acre wetland reserve have been purchased this summer thanks to funding from Cycling Scotland.
Four bikes, three trailers, and cycling accessories, including helmets were sought from specialist bike shop, DG2 Wheels, based in Dumfries.
The bicycles and trailers are needed to get around the reserve, transporting staff and equipment down the reserve’s long avenues.
Previously, either staff walked with a wheelbarrow or drove around in vehicles. Both methods are still needed for certain activities, but now the WWT Caerlaverock team of ten can get around in the most environmentally friendly and efficient way.
WWT Caerlaverock was granted funding by Cycling Scotland last year and the new equipment is just in time as the wetland centre starts to plan for its autumn activity.
Now that summer is nearly over, the bicycles and trailers will be used to transport wildflower seeds to areas of the reserve to spread and create more species-rich wildflower meadows next year. They will also be used to transport kit when repairing and replacing the nest boxes used by tree sparrows this year.
Site manager David Pickett said: “Getting these new bicycles and trailers will make a real difference to getting around, while reducing our reliance on four wheeled vehicles and being more environmentally-friendly.
“We stretch from the Brow Well to Eastpark so it will make our work at WWT Caerlaverock more efficient, and we’d like to say a big thanks to Cycling Scotland for helping to make this happen.
“It was also great to work with local supplier, DG2 Wheels, who ensured we got the right tools for the job.”
