Alstom volunteers help generate a better wildlife future

Staff members from Alstoms Stafford sites swapped the office for wetlands as they helped maintain a local nature reserve. 

In total 19 members of staff volunteered their time to carry out a range of conservation tasks on Allimore Green nature reserve near Haughton, Staffordshire.  

Duties included putting up sections of new fencing, pond maintenance and managing areas of grassland.
 
Dan Saberton, reserves officer at Staffordshire Wildlife Trust said, It was great to see so many members of Alstom staff give up their time to help look after this fabulous little nature reserve.
The groups hard work will be rewarded in Spring with a glorious display of wildflowers.

Owen Landon, environment, health and safety manager at Alstom who organised the day said, I received a great response to my request for Alstom volunteers, ideally I was hoping for 10 people but we were almost able to double that.

On the day it was great to see a range of my colleagues coming together to help improve biodiversity and conservation in the local area in partnership with Staffordshire Wildlife Trust. The Trust staff commented on how quickly the team got through the work and how little instruction was needed as the groups were able to demonstrate a good skill set in the type of work needed.

Feedback from volunteers was also extremely positive. Kim Bates, assistant project manager at Alstom said, The whole day was hard work but thoroughly enjoyable, it was nice to give something back to the community in Stafford. 

A designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Allimore Green is one of the most diverse wet grassland sites in the county with over 140 species of plants recorded, including marsh marigolds, fleabane and orchids. Thanks to a local farmer, the reserve is also home to a number of hardy Highland cattle, enabling the Trust to continue traditional grazing management which encourages the growth of wildflowers.

Press contact 
Jonathan Smith
Head of Media Relations, Alstom UK
Tel 01788 545602 or 07801 775650
jonathan.smith@chq.alstom.com