Stackpole National Trust estate gets £1.6million European funding (From Western Telegraph)

Stackpole National Trust estate gets £1.6million European funding

10:30am Saturday 13th March 2010 in

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The Stackpole National Trust estate is to receive £1.6million of European funding, creating up to 14 jobs in the area.

The cash boost from the European Regional Development Fund will be used to refurbish the visitor centre and accommodation facilities, as well as develop a new programme of events and further educational opportunities.

Around 300,000 people a year visit the 2,000-acre estate, and together with the National Trust’s charitable funds, the Stackpole Rediscovered project represents a £3million investment in south Pembrokeshire, over the next two years.

Jonathan Hughes, the National Trust’s general manager for Pembroke-shire, said: “We want everyone to discover the hidden secrets of Stackpole and create life long memories of time well spent here.

“At the same time we want people to experience sustainability in action. We are grateful for the support of the Welsh Assembly as well as the local community, and we want locals to play an increasing part in the future of the Stackpole estate.”

The money will also go towards work on the woodlands to improve access and replace ‘unsympathetic forestry’ with more natural woodland. A new biomass system will also be installed.

The jobs created will support the additional activities and services provided at the centre.

Past chairman of Stackpole Community Council and National Trust volunteer, David Edwards said: “It’s nice at long last to see the National Trust investing money in west Wales as we have been rather starved of funding in recent years.

“This funding will enable the trust to go forward and do remedial work on the estate and hopefully attract more visitors to the area.”