MEMBERS of the public are being invited to voice their views on the future of a Redesdale nature reserve next month.

Benshaw Moor, a 600-acre nature reserve near Elsdon, was purchased by Northumberland Wildlife Trust in May to save its important wildlife and habitats, including peatland and limestone springs.

The site includes nationally important features such as blanket bog, heather heathland, grassland and limestone springs – a complex and varied mosaic of habitats that supports mammals, birds, reptiles and insects.

A consultation event is due to take place on Thursday, August 1, at Elsdon Village Hall between 7pm and 9pm, where the public will be able to find out more about the ambitious plans for the site as well as having their say on what they would and wouldn’t like to see happen.

The trust is particularly keen to gather opinions on what type and degree of access people would like.

A month-long public appeal saw the wildlife charity raise £75,000, which was added to the £568,000 already raised. Money was donated by charitable trusts, businesses, private donations and a bequest by the late George Swan, emeritus professor of organic chemistry at Newcastle University. The bequest was specified for use in buying a site of botanical importance.

For further details visit: www.nwt.org.uk/events/2019-08-0