The Trust, has been successful in securing a grant from the Tesco Bags of Help initiative to make the area around Naburn Lock on the River Ouse more welcoming, particularly to people in wheelchairs and those with conditions such as dementia through the creation of a sensory garden.
The supermarket has teamed up with Groundwork to launch Bags of Help, which sees grants of £12,000, £10,000 and £8,000 – all raised from the 5p bag levy – being awarded to environmental and community projects.
Local people now have the opportunity to decide how much the project receives by heading along to their local Tesco store and voting for their preferred local project using a token given to them at the check-out. Voting is open in store from October 31 until November 13.
The project will create an interactive nature trail around the historic locks as well as a garden, enclosed in the base of a former mill tower, which will include raised beds, seating and a sensory area.
The trail will be wide and flat making it easily accessible and special viewing areas will be created at key points giving visitors the opportunity to spot some of the species that visit the area including a variety of fish, insects, birds and even otters. Bat, bird and insect boxes will be installed creating important habitats and attracting even more wildlife for people to spot and listen out for.
There will also be a number of information boards and interactive activity packs around the trail giving people the chance to find out about the area. Accessible seating and picnic areas will give people the chance to enjoy a bite to eat during their visit.
Many of the works will be carried out by local volunteers who have been working over recent years to renovate the historic buildings around Naburn Locks with the aim of opening up the site to local people and creating a visitor centre.
Tom Wright, development & engagement manager for the Trust said; "Naburn Locks is already a fantastic place to visit, steeped in history, but we wanted to make it more attractive and welcoming to people of all ages and abilities so we're delighted to receive support from the Tesco Bags of Help initiative.
"This project will mean people of all ages and abilities will be able to enjoy a visit to the area and experience time beside their local waterways. It will give people a place to escape from the pressures of daily life and improve habitats for a variety of different species.
"We really hope that shoppers give their support by voting for the project in their local Tesco branch and help us to make Naburn Locks even more special."
Shoppers can vote for the Naburn project in the following stores:
- Low Ousegate, York
- Piccadilly, York
- Goodramgate York
- Acomb Wood, York
- Strensall, York
- Huntington Road, York
- Tesco Extra, York
- Tesco Extra Tadcaster Road, York
