National Grid volunteers go back to nature to brush up on their fencing skills

23/04/2009

A GROUP of National Grid employees left office life behind for a day of team building activities which included some hands on voluntary work.

Members of staff from National Grid’s Wokingham office spent an away day at the Berks, Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust’s (BBOWT) Warburg Nature Reserve on Tuesday April 21.

The team’s day started with a guided walk around the nature reserve, which is near to Henley-on-Thames.

Supervised by staff the team then undertook an environmental challenge which involved building a fence around a newly restored pond. The fence will keep out livestock and prevent them from puncturing the pond’s new lining.

After the physical graft it was down to company business as the group participated in various team building activities.

National Grid Team Manager Paul Auckland said: “It’s great to do something for both local wildlife and the community and we have been extremely lucky with the weather. The day has also helped us to work together and understand each other better.”

National Grid Team Leader Richard Price also valued the chance to get to know team members team better in a different setting. He commented: “It’s just really nice to get out of the office, get some fresh air and do something to help the community - I’d definitely like to come back again.”

Emily Gould, Fundraising Officer for BBOWT, said: “It was a beautiful day for working at Warburg, and the volunteers did a fantastic job. Corporate volunteering provides a great opportunity for companies to contribute to the local wildlife whilst encouraging team building and teaching new skills. BBOWT really appreciates the practical help provided by corporate volunteers to improve habitats for wildlife on our nature reserves and welcomes companies to get in touch and join in.”

To learn more, companies can call Emily at BBOWT on 01865 775476, or email her at emilygould@bbowt.org.uk 
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For further media information only, please contact Antony Quarrell, National Grid Media Relations, on 07810 853075

Notes to Editors

National Grid
National Grid is an international electricity and gas company and one of the largest investor-owned energy companies in the world. We play a vital role in delivering gas and electricity to millions of people across Great Britain and northeastern US in an efficient, reliable and safe manner. We believe the power of action can play a major role in safeguarding our global environment for future generations and tackling the effects of climate change, providing all our customers with the highest standards of service through network investment and through our talented, diverse workforce.

National Grid owns the high-voltage electricity transmission network in England and Wales and operates the system across Great Britain. It also owns and operates the high pressure gas transmission system in Britain and its distribution business delivers gas to 11 million homes and businesses.

National Grid also operates the National Gas Emergency Service freephone line 0800 111 999*.
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BBOWT
BBOWT is one of 47 Wildlife Trusts working across Britain to secure a better future for wildlife. BBOWT cares for 80 nature reserves, works in partnership to look after the wider countryside and inspires people to take action for wildlife. For more information visit www.bbowt.org.uk