Each time a Co-op Member shops at a Co-op store, 1% of what they spend on selected own-brand products and services is given to the Local Community Fund, with the money raised helping local projects.

Until mid-October 2024, Briarwood Banks, near Bardon Mill, is one of the local causes at the Haydon Bridge store. However, Co-op Members from anywhere in the country can choose to support this cause by visiting www.membership.coop.co.uk/causes/81260

Briarwood Banks is one of the best examples of semi-natural ancient woodland in Northumberland and supports plants typical of this special habitat, including wild garlic, woodruff and dog’s mercury as well as some uncommon species and regional rarities. Visitors may see red squirrels and roe deer as well as birds such as great spotted woodpeckers and pied flycatchers.

By selecting Briarwood Banks as their local cause Co-op Members will help the wildlife charity restore the semi-natural ancient woodland and provide suitable habitat for rare species, including dormice, which have made neighbouring woodland their most northerly location in the UK!

You can find out more about Briarwood Banks and how to visit this reserve at Northumberland Wildlife Trust’s website: www.nwt.org.uk  

Jennifer Care, Estates Officer at Northumberland Wildlife Trust says:

“The Co-op’s Local Community Fund is a great opportunity for Co-op Members to help Briarwood Banks nature reserve at no cost to them! Any money we receive will go towards looking after this beautiful site and making it even better for wildlife. So please visit www.membership.coop.co.uk/causes/81260 and make us your cause.”