VOLUNTEERS of Watchtree Nature Reserve found a 'huge surprise' when they opened their new on-site shipping container.
The 40ft container was donated to the reserve by Cumberland Council following the dismantlement of Tribe in Carlisle.
It will be used to increase the storage and workshop facilities for the reserve's Habitat and Estates Team.
The team of around 20 volunteers and one member of staff maintain the wildlife habitats, trails, and other facilities at the site.
The new facility will also allow them to vacate a different unit, which will be used by Watchtree educational services for small groups to shelter in bad weather.
With local dignitaries in attendance, an opening ceremony for the new container was held on Tuesday morning (September 17).
Read more: Cumberland Council to repurpose Tribe site in Bitts Park
Much to the delight of the team, when the doors swung open, they found a brand-new all-terrain vehicle inside.
The Polaris ATV is a replacement for the team's 12-year-old model and had been organised as a special surprise by reserve manager, Ryan Dobson.
“Our team work so hard to maintain the reserve and they do it with very little facilities and mechanical equipment.
"We wanted to show our gratitude to them and this new ATV has really put a smile on their faces.
"Unlike the old machine, this one has doors, a heater, LED lights and it is road-legal. The heaters will be appreciated in winter and being able to take it on the road means we can use it to support our running events," he said.
The new ATV was funded by the government and Cumberland Council through the Rural England Prosperity Fund, Cumbria Community Foundation and donations made in memory of Mervyn Cowling who was a member of the Habitat and Estates Team until he sadly passed away in 2023.
On the following volunteering session, the old ATV was given a number plate that read MERV 23 as a lasting memory of his contribution to the reserve.
The new machine now has this across the windscreen and rear window.
Mervyn's wife Aileen and grandson Andres were invited along for the unveiling.
The short ceremony was followed by cake from Watchtree’s cafe, lots of tinkering with the new ATV, and planning for the new storage container.
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