TWO organisations celebrate a partnership which has lasted over two decades and has protected numerous species at a popular tourist destination.

The Hills Group and Cotswold Lakes Trust celebrate 25 years of partnership and look back on all the work they have achieved.

They have worked together on everything from reed beds to fossil hunts and footpaths, creating a stunning wetland landscape.

This work has been pivotal in helping protect animals such as kingfishers, otters and water voles at the Cotswold Water Park.

Now The Hills Group and Cotswold Lakes Trust want to celebrate this milestone and build on their achievements.

Group director of Hills Quarry Products, Peter Andrew said: ”The Hills Group has been operating in the Cotswold Water Park for more than 100 years and has created many of the lakes and wonderful habitats you see today.

"We are proud to support Cotswold Lakes Trust and all they do for wildlife and the environment.

"They’re a great charity and we work extremely well together."

The Cotswold Water Park is a network of more than 180 lakes across 42 square miles which emerged from decades of intensive gravel extraction and restoration.

It is now a unique wetland landscape and the lakes are home to a variety of wildlife and host a range of leisure activities.

In 2021, it was recognised nationally as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Cotswold Lakes Trust’s executive chairman Paul Hazel praised Hills for the pivotal role the company has played creating the Cotswold Water Park.

He said: “Their long-term commitment to restoration has played a fundamental role in creating this fantastic leisure area and a haven for wildlife.

“Their generosity in providing more than £1.3m through the Landfill Communities Fund has enabled the Trust to help preserve the amazing biodiversity of habitats and species in the Cotswold Water Park and to carry out projects ranging from the creation of nature reserves to improving public access and managing country parks.”

Based in Down Ampney, Cotswold Lakes Trust is governed by a Board of Trustees (all volunteers) who oversee the work of a team of seven staff.

The trust receives no core funding from central or local government and relies heavily on donations.

For more information on The Hills Group and Cotswold Lakes Trust partnership visit https://shorturl.at/ayDNQ