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.

Thanks to the funding work will now begin at Oakerthorpe Local Nature Reserve to improve the access for all visitors to this peaceful wildlife haven. Work will include upgrading paths, installing boardwalk in wet areas and carrying out positive habitat improvements.

Kate Lemon, Programme Manager, Derbyshire Wildlife Trust said, “Oakerthorpe is a tranquil site which although only 5 minutes’ drive from Alfreton, lets you feel like you could be in the middle of nowhere. Our project aims to improve and renovate existing paths around the reserve to ensure access for people of all abilities all year round. Stone will be put down on the main track and replacement boardwalk built where the ground is wet. In the autumn months we will clear willow saplings that start to take over the edges of the pond to keep the water open and prevent overhanging alder trees from casting too much shade on the marshy edges where water vole live.”

“We know that the reserve is a popular spot for local people to visit and enjoy and we will encourage them to join our volunteer team in helping us both carry out the practical work to keep it in best condition and record the wildlife that lives there. Our volunteers can be equipped with the right tools and equipment to work effectively and safely and supported by experienced staff.”

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 the project come to life.”

Oakerthorpe Nature Reserve is mostly made up of oak and birch woodland where a wide range of fungi can be found in the autumn and a range of bird life including treecreeper, nuthatch, blue tit, song thrush and sparrowhawk live. Oakerthorpe Brook runs through the middle and feeds a large pond where frogs and toads breed each spring.

Oakerthorpe Nature Reserve is mostly made up of oak and birch woodland where a wide range of fungi can be found in the autumn and a range of bird life including treecreeper, nuthatch, blue tit, song thrush and sparrowhawk live. Oakerthorpe Brook runs through the middle and feeds a large pond where frogs and toads breed each spring.