Yorkshire Water colleagues use their skills to support the community

Yorkshire water colleagues have rolled up their sleeves and got their hands dirty taking part in voluntary work across the county, to give back to the environment and local community.

Throughout September and October, colleagues from across different departments at Yorkshire Water have been taking time out to help build paths, sow seeds such as wildflowers, paint, and create habitats for animals to nest in.

The teams worked tirelessly, and their efforts went a long way in supporting volunteers and groups who work closely alongside Yorkshire Water. 

Dale Crapper, project manager for infrastructure at Yorkshire Water said: “We had a fantastic day volunteering at Rothwell Country Park, Leeds, where we spent time clearing paths, picking up litter and managing the meadows.

“There were 13 members of the team who went to volunteer, and as well as helping those who look after Rothwell, it was a great opportunity for our team to come together for team building.”

Gareth Muir, project officer for the Aire Rivers Trust also welcomed Yorkshire Water staff on site, said: “Our team collaborated with colleagues from Yorkshire Water to sow a wildflower meadow at Howden House, Silsden. The primary purpose is to provide habitat for curlews to nest in and to increase biodiversity for pollinators by having a mix of various wildflowers and grasses.

“A floodplain meadow grassland seed mix were specially selected for their ability to withstand seasonal flooding. Based on the native plants that grow on traditional floodplains and water meadows, these wildflowers and grasses can happily grow in poor, wet soil, providing an important flower-rich resource for bees, butterflies, and ground-nesting birds.

"We also planted a hay meadow wildflower mix which is a seed mix suited for low fertility, moist, circumneutral and free draining moist soils that dry out in the summer. Hay meadow habitats are associated with high plant diversity, which provides a flower rich resource for notable pollinators such as common and shrill carder bee in southern localities.” 

Anne Reed, social value, and education manager for Yorkshire Water said: “It is great to see our staff volunteering their time to give back going to the community. Having our colleagues there not only lightens the load for those who dedicate a lot more time these sites daily, but it is our opportunity to give back, and we are proud to be an organisation that supports that.

“Thank you to all staff who have taken the time over the last few weeks to volunteer, and no doubt you’ll see more members popping up to lend a hand where they can.”