Sussex Wildlife Trust (SWT) 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 East Sussex.

A major award of £130,000 has enabled the Trust to make substantial improvements to the largest reedbed in Sussex. Filsham reedbed, situated in the Combe Haven valley, between Bexhill and Hastings is a crucial stopping-off point for migrating birds including swallows, warblers, and much rarer species such as marsh harrier and bittern. The restoration programme has improved the habitat for breeding birds as well as other reedbed wildlife by better control of the water levels. Improvements have also been made to public access with new bird-watching facilities and a surfaced footpath.
A further award helped the Trust purchase additional land at Malling Down, to the east of Lewes. The Trust was able to double the size of the reserve - an important area of chalk grassland. Orchids are a speciality of this reserve, as well as butterflies such as the common blue, chalkhill blue and the rare Adonis blue butterfly.

Dr Tony Whitbread, Chief Executive of SWT says ‘We are grateful for 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 UK 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