Marshall’s Arm Nature reserve community group receive donation from United Utilities

Marshall’s Arm Nature Reserve Community Group has received a welcome boost to their conservation efforts, thanks to a donation from United Utilities’ Community Fund.

Marshall’s Arm was designated as a Local Nature Reserve in 1998, for wildlife and people. The arm refers to the old meanders arm of the River Weaver in Northwich that is in the reserve, before it was straightened for the movement of salt in 1700’s. The reserve has an active local management and friends’ group – “Marshall’s Army” – who organise events, such as litter picking, practical tasks, including the removal of non-native species and training.

As part of its 2025 Management Plan, one of the areas the group will be concentrating on will be Mousey Island, an area adjacent to the water, working to restore and improve the biodiversity. It is an area less visited by users of the reserve and over the years it has transformed from meadow/grassland to dense shrub and emerging woodland with non-native species (scots pine, acres and other non-native species).

As part of these plans the group is looking to remove the non-native species, create isolated islands of meadow amongst the trees and to reinvigorate the pond on the island. In order to accomplish this, they looked to the United Utilities’ Community Fund to provide new hand tools, PPE and litter picking equipment so that they can work more efficiently under the supervision of a paid professional ranger.

Given the community focused efforts of the group, United Utilities were happy to support such a worthwhile project and River Rangers from the North West water company handed over the new equipment at a recent litter pick with more than 20 members in attendance.

Keith Sexton, Marshall’s Arms LNR Management Group said: "Marshall's Army" is a dedicated band of volunteers who look after this valued Local Nature Reserve. Activities include everything from litter picking, through to major projects to increase the biodiversity and accessibility of the Reserve.

The equipment provided by United Utilities through their Community Fund scheme will make a significant difference to our future work plans. The award will also allow us to provide individual PPE to our teams in recognition of the hard work they put in for the benefit of the community.

Emma Birch, Area Engagement Lead for Cheshire at United Utilities, commented: “We’re very grateful for the work the volunteers do at Marshall’s Arm Local Nature Reserve, and are so happy to support such a worthy cause. This donation gives them the proper tools and PPE to carry out their work more efficiently and effectively. At United Utilities we want to work in partnership with communities to protect our water bodies for generations to come.”

The United Utilities’ Community Fund supports community groups whose activities:

• Benefit local watercourses and riverside environments
• Act as catalyst for improved community and environmental wellbeing
• Reconnect communities to riverside environments
• Promote sustainable drainage

Groups can apply to the fund for up to £2,500 worth of support by emailing:  Stakeholderrelations@uuplc.co.uk with details of their request.