Volunteer programme’s autumn clear up
National Grid volunteers brings community benefit
National Grid’s regular volunteering programme on the Hinkley Connection Project is off to a flying start, with two environmental initiatives plus a decorating job in quick succession.
During October half term, a National Grid team, supported by colleagues from Ground Control who brought in specialist equipment, travelled to Mark to re-establish a neglected local bridleway. The bridleway had become densely overgrown and entirely unpassable. Thanks to the team, horse riders and walkers can use it once again, with 500 yards cleared in one day and Ground Control returning to finish the last section up to Pill Road.
Simon Emary, Chair of Mark Parish Council, said: “Thanks for the hard work of your team. It was a much bigger job than any of us realised!”
Next, on 9 November, a team reported to the Mendip Hills AONB for a volunteer day. The crew got stuck into some woodland habitat management, clearing back invasive rhododendron and transplanting out some local Beech trees to mitigate against canopy loss from Ash Dieback.
The team were working under the watchful eye of warden Lauren Holt, who said: “Thank you to the for your hard work in supporting nature recovery on the hills and seeing the benefits of the Counting on Mendip project funded by the National Grid Community Grant programme."
On 16 November, colleagues got out the rollers and paint brushes to help spruce up a function room and hallway at Worle Community Centre.
Jonathan Richardson and Dana Bruce from National Grid have set up the regular events. Jonathan said: “As a project team, we’re always keen to support the local community in any way we can. Since the start of the project, we’ve been responding to requests for help from local groups. However, we wanted to get a planned programme in place and approach organisations in the areas we are impacting the most, rather than waiting for them to come to us. We’re delighted with the response from community groups and colleagues so far.”
If your community project would benefit from a few helping hands – get in touch by emailing [email protected].
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Tackling the Rhododendron in the Mendip Hills AONB |
Tackling the Rhododendron in the Mendip Hills AONB |
The Mendip Hills volunteer team |
The bridleway before work started... |
...and after a day's hard labour! |
Local councillor with Ground Control clearance expert |
Starting the cutting in ready for the rollers at Worle Community Centre |
The Worle Community Centre painting team at the end of the day |
