A new picnic site at Stodday near Lancaster was inaugurated on Monday thanks to funding from the University's Wind Turbine Community Benefit Fund. Professor Sarah Kemp, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Engagement, cut the ribbon and praised the project that transformed the site.

Kevan Walton, the Vice-Chair of Aldcliffe with Stodday Parish Council, thanked the University’s Wind Turbine Community Benefit Fund for their generous donation. He also appreciated the help of Lancashire County Council and Lancaster City Council, who matched the funds and did the groundwork. Kevan said: “This is a scenic spot to relax and admire the beauty of the Lune Estuary and the Lake District fells. We have added two new picnic tables, two benches and a seat with a view for the nature lovers who use the Lune Estuary Path. The site is also easier to reach now, thanks to the collaboration of the Parish and United Utilities, who fixed the flooding issue that used to block the route from Snuff Mill Lane and Stodday.” The picnic tables are dedicated to the memory of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign and the seat to the coronation of King Charles III.

Lancaster University’s Wind Turbine Community Benefit Fund was launched ten years ago to share the benefit of the wind turbine with local communities in the Lancaster District by providing an annual grant of £20,000 for environmental and community projects. The fund has supported more than 70 projects, investing over £200,000 in local environmental and community initiatives. Jonathan Mills, Carbon, Environment & Sustainability Manager for Lancaster University said ‘It’s great that the Wind Turbine Community Benefit Fund can provide funding for important local initiatives such as the Stodday Picnic site refurbishment. The site is really well used by the local community, and we are delighted to have been able to support Aldcliffe & Stodday Parish Council in delivering this project.’

To find out more about the Community Benefit Fund, visit our website.