Energy Workers lend a hand on the Broads
Company employees from Norfolk are doing their bit to conserve the Broads habitat by spending team-building days with the Broads Authority.
On Wednesday (February 25) a squad of 16 engineers, linesmen and jointers from EDF Energy Networks will be using the energy normally used to power lines to clear invasive rhododendrons, which are alien to the wetland.
They will be working at Ormesby Broad, one of the Trinity Broads near Great Yarmouth, which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. It is the third time the company has given employee time to the Broads in a year - and there is a waiting list of employees who would like to come.
Field Engineer Chris Mortimer, based in Trowse, said: “EDF Energy encourages volunteer days through its Helping Hands community volunteering scheme and our employees are very keen to come. It’s a good way of getting to know each other better and putting something back into the environment. We are not just about energy, we are about helping the community as well.”
Hannah Gray, Trinity Broads Conservation Officer, said: “The team from EDF Energy Networks did an impressive amount of work in October, clearing trees and scrub that were invading valuable fen habitat. They have been very generous too, leaving us their tools and maintenance equipment.”
Norwich Union, the John Innes Centre, RAF Coltishall and the Environment Agency have all made big contributions to the habitats of the Broads, as well as reaping the benefits of team building and experiencing a unique work environment.
The Broads Authority is planning to expand opportunities for employee volunteering out on the Broads.
Maggie Engledow, Volunteer Coordinator, said: “Volunteers can make a big difference to nature conservation and maintaining areas of public enjoyment while they work as a team and have fun. This has proved to be a mutually successful project.”
Interested companies should contact Maggie on 01692 677020 or 07889 568580; email: maggie.engledow@broads-authority.gov.uk
23/02/2009
