Launceston Community Market is continuing its support of local causes, recently providing funding to the Cornwall Nature Conservancy.

The Cornwall Nature Conservancy has evolved over the last 30 years and they are passionate about conservation and care for rare and endangered British and worldwide animals, breeding them and being part of breeding programmes that are worthwhile and meaningful. 

They are closely connected to local education foundations and work alongside them to encourage younger people to understand the necessity for, and methods, of conservation.

They keep, breed, raise and, on many occasions release, such British animals as Scottish wild cat, European otters, water voles, harvest mice, pine martins, polecats and barn owls.  

They have recently started a breeding programme for hedgehogs using rescued but permanently injured creatures that cannot be released.  

A spokesperson said: “All these animals have suffered devastating reduction in numbers in the wild. 

“The conservancy is set in a ten acre nature reserve in which they have planted thousands of trees and flowers, dug many ponds, planted an orchard and put up hundreds of bird, animal and insect boxes. 

“They also keep other rare animals, such as tortoises rescued by customs and excise after illegal entry to the UK and tenrecs, rescued by the courts from pet shops. They have rescued two pairs and both have bred. 

“The Rothschild’s mynah birds are one of the most beautiful birds in the world and again because of the pet trade and habitat destruction have become extinct in the last few decades. They have a small collection that have bred many over the last few years.”

More information is available at cornwallnatureconservancy.org.uk/

The Community Market in Launceston which meets every Friday morning at Central Methodist Church Hall was delighted to raise £200 for such a worthy charity and would welcome suggestion for the next charity or worthy cause.