VOLUNTEERS have been carrying out some winter maintenance at a nature reserve in Leamington.
Staff from Bridgestone returned to Paintings Plantation, situated in the grounds of Campion School, to lay weed mats and add mulch to dozens of trees.
The woodland provides an outdoor learning area for pupils and also an area of calm and relaxation for Age UK Dementia club members, along with their family and carers.
Bridgestone’s latest volunteer group ensured the 300-hour milestone was reached, making it 45 volunteers in total since the partnership was first forged in 2019.
A petrol mower and garden truck has also been purchased during this time.
Elizabeth Phillips, retired chief executive of Age UK Warwickshire, and now lead volunteer at the plantation, said: “Volunteering is one of those amazing things that people can do to make a massive difference to other people’s lives and the support from Bridgestone’s staff has been invaluable.
“Its teams have brought camaraderie and friendship to our own group of volunteers and team members have even assisted Campion School, helping to support and maintain the school’s ‘ECO Club’ which has representatives from each year group.
“All of this is possible because the plantation is accessible and usable through Age UK volunteers and Bridgestone’s staff efforts.”
Bridgestone’s executive assistant Alison Walker has been an ever-present volunteer since the partnership began.
She said: “Our latest group of volunteers spent hours tidying up the site, mulching trees, painting benches and tending to a number of plants. Whenever we visit Paintings Plantation, there’s a real sense of pride in what we do and a togetherness that always shines through.”
