Alliance and Leicester Commercial Bank sows the seeds of success in the National Forest

The Heart of the National Forest Foundation has today announced a £250,000 deal with Alliance and Leicester Commercial Bank that will help shape the future of CONKERS and the Heart of the Forest Park.

The deal will enable the Foundation to advance its plans to develop CONKERS into one of the country's biggest educational and environmental tourist attractions.

Mike Ballantyne, Project Director for the Heart of the National Forest Foundation said: "The deal with Alliance and Leicester Commercial Bank will help to drive forward our plans to expand our existing facilities and develop our interactive indoor children's attractions".

"We have extensive plans to develop the Forest Park surrounding CONKERS, including a network of multi user trails, water sports, a multi activity centre, forest lodges and a garden centre." Alan Burton, Relationship Manager at Alliance and Leicester Commercial Bank said: "This deal will help the Foundation to achieve its long term goals".

"We put together a bespoke package specifically tailored to its needs, designed to support the Foundation as it moves forward with its ambitious expansion plans." Mike Ballantyne adds: "Alliance and Leicester's support has been invaluable".

"The bank has not only supported us with donations over the years, but has now provided the financial solution to help us achieve our long term plans and to consolidate CONKERS' position as one of the best educational visitor attractions in the country." Alan Burton, continues: "Alliance and Leicester have supported the Foundation and CONKERS for many years, having helped to create the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Woodland and provided financial support to assist in the development of the CONKERS' Education Programme, which attracts over 40,000 school children every year." Since the Foundation launched CONKERS in March 2001, the 120 acre site in the heart of the National Forest has developed into a spectacular hands-on visitor attraction and welcomed its one millionth visitor in 2005.

Since then, the site has continued to expand and develop, adding new attractions and attracting record numbers of visitors.

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