North Devon’s Biosphere Reserve is beginning work on new environmental projects thanks to donations made by a Devon-based holiday lettings agency.
Marsdens Cottage Holidays began asking customers to donate to the scheme in January, and are overwhelmed that it has reached the £1000 milestone already. The money will allow the Biosphere Reserve to improve access and interpretation along the Tarka Trail, which is a car-free route linking the coast to the rural countryside.
Everyone who books a holiday cottage with Marsdens is asked to contribute £1 to the Biosphere Reserve, in an initiative which made the Braunton-based business the first-ever recipient of the North Devon Biosphere Sustainable Business Award.
Martin Wickham, General Manager at Marsdens, said: “The beautiful countryside and landscapes make Devon so appealing to visitors, so it is only right that we help preserve these.”
Andrew Bell, Biosphere Reserve Co-ordinator, said: “It is wonderful news that Marsdens’ customers have donated one thousand pounds in such a short time. We will use this money to improve access along the Tarka Trail and we are very grateful to Marsdens for their hard work.”