National firm supports Exeter nature reserve

An award winning national property company has added its support to one of Exeter’s most precious havens for wildlife.

The company, Renaissance Villages, has generously donated £1,500 to leading local conservation charity Devon Wildlife Trust to help with the vital upkeep of its Old Sludge Beds nature reserve. The reserve occupies wildlife rich reed beds, woodland and ponds on the banks of the River Exe close to the city’s Countess Weir Swing Bridge.

Matt Boydell, Devon Wildlife Trust’s Nature Reserve Manager, welcomed the news of backing from Renaissance Villages: "Our 49 nature reserves are some of the most beautiful and important green spaces remaining for Devon’s people and wildlife.

"Old Sludge Beds may not have the most picturesque name, but it is a vital place for some wonderful wildlife including otters, warblers, dragonflies and bats. And, because it is close to Exeter and next to the busy Exeter Canal bike path, the reserve is also very popular with visitors."

Matt continued: "Keeping nature reserves in tip-top condition for people and wildlife takes up a great amount of time and money for our charity so help from Renaissance Villages is very welcome news. Their support will be used to manage this delicate wetland reserve, maintaining its water levels, repairing its well-trodden boardwalks and improving it as a great home for wildlife."

Renaissance Villages specialises in high quality, age-exclusive homes for discerning buyers set within new private village communities. The company’s luxury development on Topsham Road in Exeter, Millbrook Village, is within walking distance of the Old Sludge Beds nature reserve.

Commenting on the company’s new relationship with Devon Wildlife Trust and its Exeter nature reserve, Renaissance Villages Managing Director, Iwan Jones, said: "We are delighted to support Devon Wildlife Trust and contribute towards the conservation of the Old Sludge Beds. It’s wonderful to have a nature reserve so close to Millbrook Village and we know the fascinating site will be of great interest to our residents."

Devon Wildlife Trust is delighted to welcome Renaissance Villages as a corporate supporter, joining the ranks of more than 40 Devon companies who are backing the charity. Iwan Jones commented: "It is very important to Renaissance Villages that we build a strong relationship with the local community in Exeter, and we’re really proud to be supporting Devon Wildlife Trust. We greatly admire the organisation’s work, which is so vital both for the region’s wildlife and its people."

Devon Wildlife Trust’s Old Sludge Beds nature reserve is free to enter and open 365 days a year. New corporate and individual supporters make a great deal of difference to the charity’s work.