Bank helps to open up Cooper's Island reserve to public

FRIDAY, JUNE 17: Another acre of land at Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve was opened up to the public yesterday.

It marked the culmination of a three year project to restore part of the area to its natural beauty.

Two peninsulares of land are now open to the community for exploration and enjoyment.

The latest site will also provide a critical haven for wildlife.

The project began in 2009, when — in recognition of Bermuda’s 400th Anniversary — HSBC Bank Bermuda partnered with the Ministry of the Environment and Sports, the Department of Conservation Services and Department of Parks to adopt part of Cooper’s Island.

Philip Butterfield, HSBC Bank Bermuda CEO, said yesterday: “We believe it takes a collaborative effort from all sectors of the community to restore our rare and diminishing open space.

Ecology

“Together we have made a positive impact on the preservation of Bermuda’s authentic ecology.”

HSBC Bank Bermuda provided funding over the three years to assist in demolishing unwanted structures and to return the land to a natural state.

As part of its Community Action Day Programme, bank staff also volunteered to remove invasive vegetation and replant endemic flora and fauna.

Longtail ‘igloos’ have also been placed on an acre of land, to encourage nesting.