Based on a former landfill site near Castle Cary in Somerset, we have been restoring this site for nature for the last 25 years. We have planted thousands of trees, created wetlands, meadows, reedbeds, thickets and laid miles of good quality hedgerows.
The site is home to an amazing array of wildlife including great crested newts, owls, kestrels, foxes, deer, over 90 species of birds and around 30 butterfly species.
Our tractor plays a huge role here, transporting tools and resources across the site so volunteer groups can plant trees, clear reeds from ponds, collect hay and cut verges and banks to allow wildflowers to flourish. We also use it to cut our wildflower meadows and to remove the grass, saving us days of staff and volunteer time.
As well as creating and maintaining habitats for nature, our tractor helps to support our volunteer teams and is used daily when different groups are in. Our volunteers consist of individuals who want to spend time outdoors, learning new conservation skills, stepping away from pressures for a while, or enjoying some like-minded company. Other volunteer groups include local adults with learning disabilities who come to Carymoor to learn outdoor skills and build confidence.
But without a working tractor we are falling behind with our conservation tasks and annual maintenance. Last year our volunteer teams cut, raked and cleared meadow areas by hand which was a huge ask, and not one they wish to repeat in a hurry.
Of course, we aren't after a state of the art new tractor, just a solid and dependable second hand one.
Anything you can do to support this project would be appreciated, from giving a donation, to sharing the cause with friends and family or any companies that you think might be able to help us.
Thank you for your support.
The Carymoor Team