[posted 20/11/2009]

John Rainford, manager at RWE npower’s Didcot A Power Station, said:

The agreement puts the funding in place so that between now and the end of the year the Northmoor Trust can look at all possible options.

That might mean renovating the Sandles building or it may be more sensible to put the educational resource elsewhere. Northmoor Trust will look at the costings and the wildlife implications of the various options and then report back to us and the local community.

Many people have said they would like to see a circular route around the lakes, bird hides and other facilities but it is important that the habitats are protected while allowing such access and the Northmoor Trust has the expertise to come forward with recommendations.

Once that study is completed we aim to put in place a longer term agreement at the beginning of next year when there will be further consultation around Northmoor Trust’s findings with local stakeholders.”

Harry Barton, CEO of Northmoor Trust, said:

This is a tremendously exciting opportunity. Thrupp Lake is a beautiful site with a lot of demands on it. Our proposals will aim to strike the best possible balance between the needs of people and wildlife. We are now working on costed plans for all aspects of the area, and we look forward to discussing these with npower and the local community over the coming months.”

25 Year agreement signed.

The Earth Trust (formerly the Northmoor Trust) and RWE npower have now formally signed a 25 leasing and management agreement, which runs until 31 December 2035. Under this agreement, the Earth Trust will manage Thrupp Lake as a nature reserve and educational resource on behalf of the landowners, RWE npower, and the local community.