Press and Photo Gallery
TIMOTHY DISCOVERS THAT WILDLIFE MEANS BUSINESS
Friday 21st November 2003
At a visit to the RSPB's Dearne Valley/Old Moor nature reserve, Timothy found that such projects can benefit local economies by hundreds of thousands of pounds every year.
Timothy learnt how RSPB reserves throughout the UK every year attract more than one million visitors. Together, those visitors and the reserves themselves spend 19m in local communities.
The RSPB is already predicting that Old Moor - one of its newest reserves - will attract 50,000 visitors a year within five years. The Society estimates that between them they could spend around m on local services and goods.
The RSPB's Dr Keith Clarkson said: "Wildlife attracts visitors to both rural and urban areas, where they spend money in local communities, providing income and employment. Research has shown that RSPB reserves have a positive impact on local economies.
"RSPB Old Moor is a wonderful place for wildlife and, thanks to 3m development plans, will become a fantastic spot for visitors not just from nearby but from all over the country."
Timothy said: "This is an excellent example of European funds being used to bring our region's natural heritage closer to the communities of South Yorkshire.. I am confident that RSPB Dearne Valley and Old Moor will be an important educational, recreational and economic resource for years to come."
