Since the UK’s National Lottery Launched on the 19th of November 1994, a variety of good causes have benefited from over £47.2 billion raised from the sale of tickets. One of the latest to receive funding is the Dartmoor Shallowford Farm Trust, which is dedicated to restoring a vital area of marshland.
The National Lottery is the only lottery available in the UK and is used to raise funds for a diverse range of causes. The UK’s rich history and passion for gambling have seen it succeed in the 30 years since its launch, and it is not alone in its popularity. Sports betting, horse racing, casinos, Bingo, and raffles are all popular options among modern consumers, with many looking at online versions of these betting markets alongside retail operators.
Bettors can now enjoy the best casino games, live sports betting, Bingo, and a selection of prizes from raffle sites like RealRaffle. While most betting sites offer consumers the opportunity to win cash, raffle sites have a range of prizes from electronics and branded goods to cars, holidays, and houses.
However, it is the lure of potentially life-changing sums of money that has helped the National Lottery cement its place as one of the most popular options in Britain.
Only 45% of the ticket cost goes towards the prize fund, with 12% going to the government’s Lottery Tax, 5% covering Camelot Group plc’s running costs, 5% issued as commission to the retailer, and 5% being set aside for scratch card games and Super Draws. The remaining 28% is passed to the National Lottery Distribution Fund.
The National Lottery Distribution Fund is designed to fund eligible charities and causes, with 40% going towards health, environment, education, and charity. The remaining 60% is shared equally across sports, arts, and heritage programs.
The Shallowford Farm Trust was able to secure a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund totalling £227,166. The money will go towards the restoration and protection of the marshy habitat that is home to this pasture.
These grasslands are characterized by rushes and purple grass, and 20% of the rhos pasture in the UK is found on Dartmoor in Devon. Dartmoor is home to approximately 1,200 hectares of this habitat, which includes meadow thistle, saw-wort, heath spotted orchid, and devil’s-bit scabious.
The habitat is essential to a variety of insects, including the small pearl-bordered fritillary and marbled white butterflies. Rare species, including the southern damselfly, narrow-bordered bee hawkmoth, and the marsh fritillary, are also found here, with the Dartmoor marsh fritillary making up around 20% of its English population.
It is hoped that the money can attract new volunteers to help with maintenance and attract young people to visit the land, with the Sallowford Farm Trust dedicated to providing inner-city children with the opportunity to experience nature.
This is just one example of how the National Lottery has been able to help fund improvements that can bring communities together.
