Page 5 - August 2016 WN complete final version
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Kingfisher preening. Spotlight on National Grid
(Ian Curtis)
Berkshire’s Community Wildlife Officer Dan Akam
A mini-beast encounter. explains our work with NG
Children learn about College Lake’s special geology. (Mich(aReicl IMseealrlids)
The Wildlife Trust works with companies such as National
Follow us on social media Grid (NG) to provide volunteering opportunities for staff and,
in the case of NG, to improve the wildlife value of its grounds.
Nature is good for us.
(Rob Appleby) NG approached BBOWT in 2013 for advice on enhancing
their woodland site near Reading for the benefit of its staff,
All in the name Haymill Valley. the public and wildlife. Employees based at the site were
(Courtesy of Burnham Advertiser) to deliver any work needed, which in turn would promote
BBOWT’s law partner health and wellbeing at work. After an initial visit it was
Henmans Freeth has changed Wild discoveries clear that substantial improvements could be made and a
its name to Freeths. The law woodland management plan was devised.
firm has a national reputation Reedbed exploration, stream
for handling commercial dipping and sapling planting NG brought together a group of interested employees to
and personal matters for a were just three activities volunteer over their lunchtimes and on set volunteering days
wide range of individuals, children took part in during a to deliver the practical work outlined in the management
businesses, institutions recent visit to Haymill Valley. plan. BBOWT assisted by helping plan and deliver the initial
and charities. Freeths Pupils from Our Lady of Peace work parties and by advising on what tools and materials to
kindly sponsored the latest and Lent Rise schools were buy. To ensure work parties could continue unsupervised, a
members’ handbook Your exploring the Slough nature series of training sessions were held to provide volunteers
Wild Guide and has funded reserve on special wildlife with a base of knowledge and skills. We were also on hand to
special events for those education days supported offer extra guidance when needed, for example to create a
considering leaving a gift for by Nestlé Waters ‘Get Better stock-proof fence around a pond.
the Trust in their Will. with Nature’ campaign. As
well as learning about the The site has been transformed! To improve accessibility
importance of clean water the work parties have carried out extensive path resurfacing
the children spotted a great and drainage work, supporting NG’s health walks initiative
spotted woodpecker and saw that encourages employees to get active during their
a red kite eating carrion. lunchbreaks. Much of the invasive rhododendron has been
cleared, slowing its spread and enabling native species
August 2016 to regenerate.
Areas of the woodland have been thinned out and
coppiced to create a more diverse habitat, while an old
pond has been restored by opening up the canopy around
it and planting new aquatic plants. More recently a new
wildlife pond has been dug and a ‘larder’ hedge and fruit
trees planted to provide food for wildlife and people.
There’s a lot to take in and admire, so BBOWT is advising
on interpretation signs which will be installed by NG to
highlight the wildlife on site.
Our ongoing relationship with NG has also seen us
directly engage with hundreds of employees, recruiting
new members and educating staff on local wildlife issues
during lunchtime events and seminars held in their busy
office atrium.
BBOWT is always seeking to build new relationships
with local companies to support community and
wildlife projects. Contact Laura Pepper to find out more:
laurapepper@bbowt.org.uk
NG employees enjoy a day of volunteering at
Warburg Nature Reserve. (Sarah Munday)
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