Steve Elwood is is gearing as much as full a 100-mile cycle journey in simply sooner or later to assist pay for a brand new hen barn at Dion’s Wood Nature Reserve.
The retired veterinary surgeon has lately taken on the position of chairman for Boston Woods Trust, which manages the brand new website off Willoughby Road. amongst others.
In a becoming nod to the vital work of the belief, the 63 year-old has plotted a route round Lincolnshire roads and lanes that kinds the form of an oak tree. This will take him from Boston, north through New Leake and Spilsby, west above Horncastle, crossing by means of Baumber and Bardney within the west, then heading south through Martin, East Heckington, and villages south of Boston earlier than making his means again.
Steve says that work on the brand new reserve, which started in 2021, is “coming along nicely” – with bushes and shrubs planted by a military of volunteers now rising nicely. New bee hives have been put in and varied wildlife and bugs have additionally taken up residence within the new lake. The footpath and automobile park on Willoughby Road are additionally set to be accomplished within the subsequent few months.
The new 7.5m by 5.1m hen barn Steve is fundraising for will provide nesting amenities for a variety of birds, together with barn owls and migrating birds akin to swallows and swifts. It can be sited on the jap finish of the wooden pasture.
“We are excited to get planning permission for the hen barn,” mentioned Steve. “This is part funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fung, but we are required to raise the rest of the funds for the barn. We have already received a generous donation but need to raise more. To this end I am doing a sponsored cycle ride on June 23. This will be 100 miles in one day, covering a significant part of Lincolnshire.”
A eager bicycle owner, Steve says he’s a member of Boston Wheelers and has been coaching with the group on Sunday mornings, typically hitting distances of 60-70 miles.
“On the day I think I will have some of the Wheelers riding with me,” Steve added. “We will also have a couple of BWT volunteers in a car who will supply nutrition and fluids at several stops around the course.”
If you’ll be able to sponsor Steve, go to his GoFundMe page. To turn out to be a member of Boston Woods Trust, go to their website.
