About Cromwell Bottom Wildlife Group
Why we exist
We are very proud of the nature reserve we are building at Cromwell Bottom and as trustees, members and volunteers we have set ourselves the following purpose and objectives:
~ To create and manage different wildlife habitats which encourage a diverse range of species to inhabit, or visit, Cromwell Bottom Nature Reserve.
~ To engage with and enable our local community, its' groups and organisations, to share our passion and knowledge of the wildlife to be found on the reserve.
~ To ensure that our facilities and opportunities are fully inclusive and accessible to all.
~ To seek to promote a sense of wellbeing to all who experience and enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings.
~ To provide educational opportunities through talks, guided visits and activities.
~ To follow an agreed and scheduled work programme each year, using volunteers, to enable us to achieve all of the above.
We are a Charitable Incorporated Organisation and our charity number is 1176233. We hold annual general meetings usually in June each year. Our last AGM was held on 7 June 2023 at the Mulberry Suite, Brighouse 6th form College and you can download the minutes of the meeting by clicking on the blue box below.
Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council Countryside Service
Cromwell Bottom is owned by Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council. Since the Cromwell Bottom Wildlife Group became a constituted group in 2011, a strong working partnership has developed between the Group and the Calderdale Countryside and Woodlands Service. Both organisations work together to help manage the Reserve for the benefit of wildlife and the visiting public, with volunteers from all walks and organisations supporting its on-going management. For further information related to the reserve and its management, the Countryside Service can be contacted by clicking the blue button below. Access to the website is by clicking on the logo, also below.
How we are funded
Cromwell Bottom Wildlife Group is thriving and as the group has grown so have our ambitions, bringing with them the inevitable need for money to enhance the habitats on the reserve, provide equipment for volunteers, maintain hospitality facilities, and put on events.
Our most regular income comes from the general public – donating generously week by week as they enjoy using the visitor centre. Volunteers also give talks and slide shows to local groups for which we receive donations.
Behind the scenes we need substantial funds to undertake major projects and we apply for grants for these larger amounts. Over the past decade we have gained individual grants of between £1000 and £30,000 from a range of sources, including:
AVIVA Community Fund, Calderdale Council Small Grants Scheme, Community Fund for Calderdale, Postcode Local Trust, The Fort Foundation, National Lottery – Rastrick Big Local, Brighouse Ladies Circle, Staying Well and Active Partnership.
They have provided a wide range of benefits – bat detectors, a tractor, the pond dipping and viewing platforms, sand martin wall, marquees for our open day, our new visitor centre building, as well as materials for path maintenance, disability access, publicity …… the list is almost endless.
Thank you to all of our funders. Your support is invaluable.
