IRAQ HELPS BRITAIN’S WILDLIFE

Nature Iraq, the leading wildlife conservation NGO in Iraq, is very pleased to make a donation of $1000 to Norfolk Wildlife Trust’s appeal to purchase 143 acres of land next to Cley Marshes. Nature Iraq has received much help from colleagues in the UK, especially through BirdLife International, and makes this donation as an act of global support for the protection of marshes.

Azzam Alwash, president of Nature Iraq, who has stayed in Cley during visits to England said:
‘Nature Iraq has received great support from international organisations for the conservation of our famous Mesopotamian Marshes. This small token to support the extension of Cley Marshes is to honour that support and show our brotherly care for the environment everywhere.’

Brendan Joyce, CEO of Norfolk Wildlife Trust said:
‘ I am touched by the generosity of Nature Iraq in helping us to acquire the land which will join Cley and Salthouse Marshes together, especially given their own struggle to restore damaged ecosystems in their own country. I knew that our appeal would attract attention and support from far and wide, but this was an unexpected surprise. We are delighted to receive this support from Iraq which makes us feel bonded in a common cause in the conservation of wildlife and wild places.’

On the new land NWT will create more reed bed, grazing marsh and freshwater for the rare marsh harriers, bitterns, bearded tits, otters, water voles and avocets which live at Cley Marshes; for the countless thousands of migratory birds which use it; and for the 100,000 people who visit each year.

For further information contact:
Norfolk Wildlife Trust: Rebecca Worsfold, PR and Communications Manager +44 (0)1603 625540 rebeccaw@norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk
Nature Iraq: Azzam Alwash ( Iraq mobile +964 770 544 9999; azzam@natureiraq.org)