Tesco teamed up with Groundwork to launch its Bags of Help funding initiative, which sees grants of up to £5,000 raised from the 5p bag levy – being awarded to local outdoor community projects every month.

The Trust will use the fund to train volunteers at Woodside Farm in essential machinery use as well as buying such as stone and timber for paths and equipping the volunteers with the correct tools and personal clothing to work safely and effectively.

Kate Lemon, Programme Manager, Derbyshire Wildlife Trust said, “Volunteers are at the heart of what we do, supporting us in many ways including livestock checking, carrying out practical habitat management work such as removing scrub or making hay, repairing and building visitor structures such as benches, viewing screens and pond dipping platforms. We want to ensure they have everything they need to be able to help us as best they can. This award is helping us do that.”

Kate added, “We want to recruit more local volunteers to help us at Woodside Farm – there are so many benefits to volunteering at the farm - lifelong skills such as team working and practical skills, as well as gaining from the many health benefits of working outside and the knowledge that you are making a long lasting difference to the natural environment that benefits both people and wildlife.

Lindsey Crompton, Tesco’s Head of Community, said: “Bags of Help has been a fantastic success.We been overwhelmed by the response of our customers and it’s been great to give people a say on how the money will be spent in their community. We can’t wait to see what is achieved at Woodside Farm.”

Woodside Farm is one of Derbyshire Wildlife Trust’s largest sites and home to a huge array of wildlife as well as a herd of Highland cattle which they use as lawnmowers on a number of other nature reserves. Nestled on the western edge of Shipley Country Park there are many tracks and trails running through the land enabling visitors to get away from it all and enjoy the natural surroundings. There are wild flower rich hay meadows, oak and birch woodland, marshy fens, streams and ponds and this project will help people get up close and personal with wildlife, rather than just passing through, and reap the rewards of taking time out to slow down and learn more about our countryside and its natural inhabitants.

If you would like to join the volunteer team at Woodside Farm please contact us on 01773 881188 or complete the online application form  here