WWT Washington Wetland Centre is turning National Trust property Penshaw Monument pink for a second night with the help of Sunderland City Council in homage to their flamboyant flamingos.
The iconic North East monument will don a pink glow for a second night tonight on what is the last day of voting, to secure funding for the creation of Europe’s first solar-powered flamingo house at nearby Washington Wetland Centre.
The project to install Solar Photovoltaic (PV) panels, UV lighting and heat lamps is shortlisted for £12,000 from the M&S Energy Fund and if successful will provide sustainable conditions for breeding and rearing ‘flaminglings’, as the fluffy chicks are affectionately known.
But with less than 16 hours to go until the midnight deadline, crucial public votes are still needed for the plans to top the Tyne and Wear category and secure the cash.
“We’re delighted to have reached this stage and would be so grateful to receive this vital boost for our much-loved and important Chilean flamingo flock,” said Leanne McCormella, WWT Washington’s marketing manager.
“Not only will the project help create optimum breeding conditions for our birds but the renewable energy generated will also reduce carbon emissions and save our charity money.”
Also working hard to boost the voting tally are project partners Enviro UK Consultants Limited and renewable energy company ARPower.
Leanne added, “We love that there are great views of Penshaw Monument from our site. It’s a landmark that is very close to our team’s heart and we couldn’t be more excited to see it do something so special for us.
“Turning it pink is a great way of engaging the local community and is definitely something different to help our bid stand out. But we can’t win without public votes and we’re urging anyone who loves wildlife to take just a couple of minutes to go online and support us!”