Press Release

WILDLIFE SANCTUARY SPREADS ITS WINGS THANKS TO THE CROWN ESTATE

17 July 2006

The Applegarthtown Wildlife Sanctuary, based on the 17,000 acres Applegirth estate in Dumfriesshire, is planning an opening ceremony following the completion of major improvements. Funded by The Crown Estate, the upgrades include an all abilities trail, improved parking and a new bird watchers hide.

Chairman of the Council of the RSPB, Professor Ian Newton OBE, will officially open the revamped sanctuary on 22 July 2006.  The opening will be followed by demonstrations and a presentation about the sanctuary’s history.

The sanctuary, established in 1984, is a valuable wetland habitat created to help the breeding success of declining bird species such as the Sand Martin.

Local volunteer ornithologist Bobby Smith has been the brains behind the plans, driving forward the project, which has been highly commended in a number of conservation schemes over the years as well, has receiving The Crown Estate’s Conservation Award in 1994.

It was the decline of wetland habitats in the UK that inspired Bobby, a previous tenant of Applegarthtown Farm, to create the sanctuary, and it has attracted over 126 bird species, many of which have successfully bred here.

“I first started the sanctuary to help halt the decline of birds that need wetland habitats to breed and survive,” said Bobby, who is also a published ornithological photographer.

“It has proved a huge success over the years and it is very satisfying to see the completion of these upgrades to enable more of the local community to enjoy the sanctuary.”

The improvements were funded by The Crown Estate, Bobby’s landlord, who also praised his efforts. Head Forester for The Crown Estate, Mike Libera, said: “Bobby’s efforts have been second to none and The Crown Estate are very pleased to be able to fund this project.  We are looking forward to the opening later this month, visitors and the local community are warmly invited to attend.”

The Crown Estate’s Head of Customer Management for the Rural Estate, Alan Laidlaw, added: “We are committed to the stewardship and conservation of wildlife on our estates.  Bobby’s wildlife sanctuary is a great example of how we can work with our tenants to achieve this.  Wherever possible, The Crown Estate looks for opportunities to become involved in projects that can help to improve and sustain the natural environment.”