EAT A DIPPER, HELP A DIPPER…

ONE of Cumbria’s most distinctive birds - the dipper - has a new lollipop named after it.

And each ‘Grasmere Chocolate Dipper’ sold will help towards vital conservation work in the county.

The orange-flavoured chocolate lollipop with a dip of Grasmere Gingerbread® crumbs has now gone on sale at the Grasmere Gingerbread Shop.

“We are donating 20p from each sale towards Cumbria Wildlife Trust which manages more than 40 nature reserves across the county,” said Joanne Hunter, a partner in The Grasmere Gingerbread Shop.

It’s the latest charitable initiative by the 159-year-old business which prides itself on its local roots and helping conservation projects in Cumbria.

“We do get a lot of birdwatchers in our shop throughout the year,” added Joanne.

Cumbria Wildlife Trust is delighted that Grasmere Gingerbread® is throwing its weight behind their organisation.

“Dippers live and breed on our Smardale Gill and Wreay Woods nature reserves and they are incredibly iconic birds of our rivers,” said David Harpley, Conservation Manager.

“We rely on public support so this fund-raising initiative is very welcome. It’s a tasty treat too!”

When perched on river rocks the dipper constantly dips up and down and frequently cocks its tail.

Dippers can swim underwater while feeding on larvae, fish eggs and molluscs.

Cumbria Wildlife Trust is the only voluntary organisation devoted solely to the conservation of the wildlife and wild places of Cumbria. The Trust stands up for wildlife, creates wildlife havens, and seeks to raise environmental awareness. Visit its website at www.cumbriawildlifetrust.org.uk

The Grasmere Chocolate Dipper is available to purchase over the counter (only) at £1.95 with 20p donated to Cumbria Wildlife. We have kept it completely Cumbrian - the chocolate lollies are made in Cumbria by one of our suppliers - 'Handmade Chocolates' based in Maryport and the label has been produced by Badger Press in Bowness-on-Windermere.