Representatives from The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales are today (Thursday 2 May) celebrating a significant financial investment in the future of Welsh wildlife with members of staff from The Co-operative in Machynlleth following the announcement of the “Welsh Wildlife Heroes” partnership.

“Welsh Wildlife Heroes” is a major new project, between The Co-operative Group in Wales and Wildlife Trusts in Wales, established to deliver a programme of activities in Wales using the proceeds raised in The Co-operative’s Food and Pharmacy businesses as a result of the Welsh Government’s 5p Carrier Bag Levy.

Some £750,000 will be distributed across all six Wildlife Trusts in Wales, including ourselves, to boost a whole range of grassroots projects.

Ashley Drake, Membership Manager of The Co-operative Group in Wales, said: “Through ‘Welsh Wildlife Heroes’, The Co-operative will enable its members in Wales to help make a real difference and over the coming years we will be encouraging our members to participate in a number of landmark projects led by Wildlife Trusts for Wales. We are offering our members the opportunity to become Welsh Wildlife Heroes and together we can make a long-lasting positive impact on the Welsh environment.”

Rachel Sharp, Chief Executive of Wildlife Trusts Wales, said: “Three quarters of a million pounds is a huge sum of money that will go a long way to support projects managed by the six Wildlife Trusts across Wales. We share many of The Co-operative’s values and principles and it’s fantastic that local elected members will be involved in the funding process, making this a truly collaborative partnership.”

The first funding awards will be made next month.