Volunteers from Veolia carried out 250 hours of conservation work to the protected rare heath land on Bidston Hill by clearing out plants damaged by fire and planted new trees. The hard work paid off after the team found rare lizards re colonising the area.
Representatives from Veolia, Wirral Mind, the Friends of Bidston Hill, Friday Group, Chester Zoo, Wirral Council and Merseyside Fire Service all celebrated the award with a flag raising ceremony.
The national award is an accolade from the Department for Communities and Local Government that sets the benchmark for recognising and rewarding green spaces in the UK that meet its strict criteria for environmental excellence. For visitors it flags up quality and signifies that the site is well-maintained, well-managed and has excellent facilities.
Nic Harding, Ranger for Bidston Hill said: “By maintaining a healthy and structurally diverse heath land mosaic, the work by Veolia, Mind and Friday Group is a major contribution to helping the lizards to re colonise. The work is labour intensive and selective, and would not be possible without regular volunteer help.”
Morgan Toner, Managing Director of Hazardous Waste for Veolia Environmental Services added: “We take our corporate responsibility very seriously and actively encourage our employees to spend half a working day volunteering. Veolia is committed to protecting the environment so joining forces with local sustainable projects like this means we can go further together to enhance local communities.”
Andy Gilbert, Wirral Mind said: “Our service users get personal, therapeutic benefits from the work they do on Bidston Hill but knowing the work they are doing is also making a difference to the environment has made them really proud.”
Previously, Veolia had donated tools and products to carry out much needed conservation work on the site’s protected heath land. Veolia is passionate about giving something back to the communities where it lives and works. Last year staff gave over 11,000 hours of volunteering time to support community projects.