RSP is very pleased to be one of the supporters of the Monkton Nature Reserve. After contributing £10,000 to help the Trust repair a broken water pipe, it is wonderful to see the Reserve going from strength to strength.
Challenged by COVID and the need to close the facility but mindful of the therapeutic benefits and learning opportunities from experiencing the fantastic 16-acre former chalk pit, the trustees have worked hard to maintain the indoor and outdoor features. The Reserve is alive with wildlife and flowers and has the first artificial bat cave in the UK.
Manston Airport’s link to the Monkton chalk pit goes back to 1942. During the early part of the war, Manston Aerodrome had a grass runway and its upgrade to concrete required levelling with chalk from Monkton.
Tony Freudmann, Director of RSP, said, “We are delighted to have forged a long-term relationship with Monkton Nature Reserve and would like to thank Dr Clive Nuttman and the Thanet Countryside Trust for bringing us into the project. Alongside Thanet District Council, Pfizer UK and Cummins Power Generation, we will continue do what we can to ensure the success of the Reserve, particularly as we work towards reopening Manston Airport.”
Mr Freudmann added, “The recent video by Michael Maloney and sponsored by Cummins is superb. We are sharing it on our website to encourage anyone who can to visit this unique environment.”
Watch the video here: Monkton Nature Reserve on Vimeo