Monkton Nature Reserve
Social Inclusion
We want older and handicapped residents to enjoy our reserve. The funds will pay for part time staff.
About this cause
Nature Reserve in Chalk Pit - 16 acres with a variety of flora and fauna especially orchids and newts - 30 years old - 550 members with 25 volunteers for maintenance and 3 x P/T wardens . Various trails and two ponds, 'Buggingham Palace' and a Hide. Sensory garden. Astronomy Observatory. Study Centre for talks and Museum Room. Schools outreach programme and disability group connections to expand now that we have more accessible paths and a cafeteria facility. The Reserve is a community wide resource for 'health and wellbeing' as well as promoting environmental awareness generally. Open 7 days a week throughout the seasons and we want to engage more with students and others in ongoing habitat surveys and liaise with other local 'eco-groups' and target Thanet's deprived areas particularly.
How this cause brings people in the community together
Thanet has an above average number of residents with age-related and mental disability issues. The Reserve has a contribution to make in assisting the county 'health and wellbeing' strategy by providing stimulation for the disadvantaged - especially in exploring early-onset Alzheimers groups : we can use our natural resources to help combat isolation in the elderly, a growing national problem.