Charity receives boost from cruise company

One of the region’s top wildlife charities, Devon Wildlife Trust, has been celebrating this week after receiving a £800 cash boost from Exmouth-based company Stuart Line Cruises.

The money has been raised through the generous donations of passengers on the company’s Guided Bird Watching Cruises. The trips take in some of the best wildlife watching places in the whole of the South West including Dawlish National Nature Reserve and the wider Exe Estuary. The ever-popular cruises are a particular favourite of wildlife enthusiasts, attracting people from across the world to see the thousands of wading birds which include avocets and curlew.

Helen Newton of Stuart Line Cruises said: "We are very pleased to hear that such a fantastic sum has been raised by the generosity of our passengers. Their support and enthusiasm for the conservation and preservation of the Exe Estuary is wonderful to see. We look forward to supporting the Devon Wildlife Trust throughout 2014, particularly on our trips with local schools and groups.”

Stuart Line Cruises have been sailing the waters around Exeter, Torquay, Sidmouth and Exmouth since 1968. The business is still family owned and operates three boats taking thousands of people to see the natural wonders of the Jurassic Coast and Exe Estuary. Over the past 12 years the company has supported Devon Wildlife Trust’s work, recognising the important part the charity plays in the upkeep of local wildlife and wild places.

Devon Wildlife Trust’s Steve Hussey said: “Stuart Line Cruises are a company which recognises the role that our beautiful and varied nature plays in the success of its day-to-day business. The generous donations of their passengers will help us in our charity’s job of making a world of difference to local wildlife.”

Stuart Line Cruises are running Exe River Cruises and Coastal trips throughout the spring and summer months. More details and booking details can be found at www.stuartlinecruises.co.uk