Sussex Wildlife Trust has benefited from £235,000 in awards from the Landfill Communities Fund since the Government first introduced landfill tax ten years ago.

Since its inception in 1996, landfill tax has provided vital funds for SWT that have been invested in several projects in West Sussex.

An award of £12,000 helped enable the Trust to restore the lake at Woods Mill nature reserve near Henfield. The sizable lake is a major focus of the reserve and home to yellow and white water lilies, carp, rudd and many species of dragonflies. Woods Mill is one of the Trust’s most popular reserves and funds from the landfill tax scheme have helped with improvements for visitors and wildlife alike, including new information signs and a replacement bird hide.

The Landfill Communities Fund has also helped with the enhancement of two other Trust nature reserves in West Sussex. Projects have been completed at The Mens and Ebernoe Common near Petworth – both important examples of ancient forest and pasture woodland and home to a variety of bat species. Both these reserves are also havens for rare and endangered fungi, lichen and woodland butterflies.

Dr Tony Whitbread, Chief Executive of SWT says ‘We are grateful for the funds received under the Landfill Communities Fund, not only because of the direct benefits to conservation in Sussex but also because higher landfill costs have been an incentive to reduce, re-use or recycle our waste.’

The Government introduced landfill tax in 1996 - the first environmental tax ever to be introduced in the UK, with the aim of reducing our reliance on disposing of waste through landfill. The Landfill Tax Credit Scheme, now the Landfill Communities Fund, allows landfill site operators to contribute up to 6.7 per cent of their landfill tax liability to local environment and community projects in return for a 90 per cent tax credit.

Along with other Wildlife Trusts in the UK, SWT has been able to use these awards to deliver substantial projects in the county. To mark the Landfill Communities Fund’s tenth birthday, The Wildlife Trusts have produced a celebratory publication - Celebrating Ten Years of the Landfill Communities Fund. The report looks back at the past ten years and demonstrates the vital work that has been made possible, thanks to the scheme.

For further information and for a copy of the report please visit www.wildlifetrusts.org and click on publications or ring SWT for a hard copy on 01273 492630.

Press Enquiries: Vicky Whitaker, Assistant Press Officer 01273 492630