National Trust calling for Volunteers at White Park Bay

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As part of its ongoing conservation work the National Trust is calling on volunteers to roll up their sleeves and lend a hand on Saturday 8^thJuly as they embark on a project to remove ragwort from White Park Bay.

The spectacular sandy beach which forms a white arc between two headlands on the North Antrim coast, is home to an amazing array of very rare flora and fauna and is a Special Area of Scientific Interest for its species rich grasslands.

Working with the National Trust rangers, volunteers are being encouraged to book a slot and come along to help clear excessive quantities of the troublesome weed which is threatening sensitive plant communities.

Dr Cliff Henry, National Trust Area Ranger and conservation expert who is heading up the event said, “As a conservation charity, the National Trust is committed to investing in and protecting its special places and outside spaces, so they can be enjoyed for ever by everyone.  An impressive 90,000 visitors enjoyed free access to our beach and dune system at White Park Bay last year, this iconic site is famous for its rolling waves, sandy beach and white cliffs.

“However, we rely on the support of the community through not only membership and donations but events like this to protect this site and support us in controlling vigorous species of plants that would without our intervention leave no room for the special wildflowers and insects we have here.

“We would like to call upon the local community to lend their support and encourage anyone who can spare some time on Saturday 8^th to come along and get involved so we can continue to keep White Park Bay as a special haven for wildlife.

The National Trust looks after 200 special buildings and outdoor places across 46 miles of beautiful countryside, farmland and coast. As a conservation charity, the Trust relies on the support of the community through visits, membership, donations and legacies.

To find out more about the event and book a slot visit http://bit.ly/whiteparkbay8july