Tarmac volunteers enjoy day at RSPB Sandwell Valley

Team from company’s Solihull office helps improve site by clearing reeds, rushes and scrub

EMPLOYEES from Tarmac’s Solihull office recently donned their wellies and waterproofs to volunteer hours of effort towards making improvements at the RSPB’s Sandwell Valley site, in Birmingham.

Providing an open space for people to visit, walk and observe birds and wildlife, RSPB Sandwell Valley runs on voluntary contributions – meaning volunteer support is invaluable to its day-to-day management.

The volunteers, all from the building materials and construction solutions businesses’ shared services centre automation and insight team, were tasked with removing reeds and rushes to create a view from the main visitors’ pathway across marshland. In addition, the group cleared hawthorn bushes, small trees and brambles from a separate area, to help maintain a meadow.

Paula Hughes, senior manager of automation and insight for Tarmac, said: ‘The team and I were more than happy to volunteer at RSPB Sandwell Valley and had a fantastic day doing so. Knowing that our contribution improves the site for visitors and the local community to enjoy, while encouraging wildlife to thrive, makes us proud to help.’

RSPB Sandwell Valley assistant warden Ross Johns, who supervised the group on the day, said: ‘Tarmac volunteers helped clear encroaching scrub, in the form of hawthorn and blackthorn, from an area we intend to maintain as a meadow. They also cleared an area of cut reed within the marsh, opening up the view from a new screen overlooking a seasonal pond.

‘It was a very productive day and we were very grateful to Tarmac and their group of volunteers for working so hard and getting so much done.’