Somerset Pride

Members of the local business community showed their pride in the county at the launch of Somerset Wildlife Trust's new corporate membership recruitment campaign at The Hyde, Dillington House, on June 24. Attending and having a thouroughly enjoyable evening on behalf of Notaro Care Homes were Nunzio Notaro, Sam Notaro and David Marsh.

Developed in partnership with the Somerset Chamber of Commerce, Somerset Pride is the Trust's new campaign to enable local business to support the Trust's vital work protecting wildlife and preserving wild places.

More than 30 representatives from local businesses attended the launch where the campaign's first full new member Notaro Homes was presented with a framed corporate membership certificate. Notaro Care Homes is based in Weston and has ten care homes across the South West, mostly in Somerset, where its Langport home includes a petting farm for residents.  

Somerset Wildlife Trust is the county's leading environmental voluntary body, with more than 20,500 members. The charity owns and/or manages around 80 nature reserves all over the county. Money raised is spent to restore, recreate and reconnect our damaged countryside by creating living landscapes for wildlife and people. The trust helps wildlife adapt to climate change, encourage sustainable living, fight to save sites where wildlife is threatened by monitoring development and inspire people to create more green space bringing environmental, social and economic benefits. The trust is one of 47 in the UK. Together, they make up the Wildlife Trusts Partnership. www.somersetwildlife.org

Somerset Wildlife Trust's Corporate Relations Officer, Richard Cottrell, said: "Businesses of all shapes and sizes are being encouraged to join the scheme and demonstrate their pride in Somerset and the unique wildlife we are privileged to enjoy."

Guests at the launch also heard from Jonathan Golledge from Golledge Electronics based in Ilminster about the benefits of corporate membership, along with the Trust's Chair of the Trustees Liz Dean, CEO Simon Nash and Director of Conservation, Lisa Schneidau.

Chief Executive of the Somerset Chamber of Commerce Rupert Cox said: "The campaign is a unique opportunity for local businesses to show customers and the local community that they care about our environment and its valuable wildlife."

Nunzio Notaro, owner of Notaro Care Homes, said: "As a corporate member of the Trust we are showing our pride in Somerset and supporting vital work to protect wildlife now, and for the future."

If you would like to find out more about the Somerset Pride campaign and the benefits available to businesses contact Richard Cottrell 01823 652449 richard.cottrell@somersetwildlife.org or visit www.somersetpride.co.uk