A SPECIAL celebration event was held in December to mark Dove Stone winning the Natura 2000 Conservation Award earlier in the year.
Over 40 people, including from the local community and RSPB volunteers, attended the event at the recently re-opened Satellite Centre in Greenfield.
This prestigious international award was presented to the RSPB and United Utilities partnership for their ground breaking conservation work in blanket bog restoration at the popular beauty spot.
Representing the EU Natura Award were Lea Charlet and Anne Burrill who gave an inspiring presentation on the integral value of nature, followed by talks about the RSPB/United Utilities partnership work from United Utilities Catchment Partnership Manager, Edward Lawrence and RSPB Site Manager, Dave O’Hara.
The event was also attended by representatives from the local policing team, Dove Youth Rangers, Greenfield and Grasscroft Residents’ Association, Saddleworth Rotary and Natural England.
Dave O’Hara, RSPB Site Manager at Dove Stone said: “It was wonderful to see so many people who have helped Dove Stone to achieve this award gathered together.
“From litter picking to sphagnum moss planting we have real community support. We wanted to say thank you to all those who have been involved and this was a high point on which to end a great year.”
The talks were followed by a buffet lunch, including a special EU cake made by multi-talented RSPB Site Warden Jon Bird, and fun quizzes.
Dave added: “We were lucky to have been able to book the new Satellite Centre which proved a perfect venue and is a wonderful local resource. We’d also like to thank Natura 2000 for funding this event.”
Dove Stone reservoir is owned by United Utilities and the water company works in partnership with the RSPB, who manage the estate.
The partnership aims to encourage public access and recreation, while protecting water quality and wildlife for future generations.
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