SUEZ recycling and recovery UK has donated £1,250 to Grimsargh Wetlands Trust as part of its “Giving Something Back at Christmas” fund.
SUEZ staff from across the country were invited to nominate charities supporting those in need in their local communities and working to improve the environment.
Raymond Walker, Site Manager at SUEZ nominated Grimsargh Wetlands at the end of 2020.
Situated in the village of Grimsargh, between Preston and Longridge, Grimsargh Wetlands is one of Lancashire’s newest nature reserves. It is made up of three former United Utilities reservoirs which provided water for the local community and industry from the mid-1800s until they were decommissioned in 2001.
In 2017, Grimsargh Wetlands Trust took over management of the wetlands which it leases from Grimsargh Parish Council, and is now responsible for promoting the conservation, protection and improvement of the nature reserve, which has become home to a stunning range of wildlife.
The £1,250 donation awarded by SUEZ will go towards improving biodiversity and the local bird population at the former United Utilities reservoirs, as well as improving access for all visitors.
Explaining why he nominated Grimsargh Wetlands Trust, Raymond said: “The Trustees have worked really hard to provide, maintain and improve this nature reserve which has proven an invaluable asset to the village, its residents and schools during the many lockdowns we have experienced.
“It provides much needed open space to help people locally to take a break and reconnect with nature, and it has been fantastic to see the number of people and families enjoying a local walk around the site over recent months.”
As a volunteer-led organisation, the Trust relies entirely on public donations as well as funding from grant-giving organisations and corporate supporters like SUEZ.
Lezley Walker, Treasurer and Trustee at Grimsargh Wetlands Trust, commented: “We are extremely grateful for this generous donation to our charity, particularly in these unprecedented times amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.”
Fellow Trustee, Andy Small, who spearheads Grimsargh Wetlands’ fundraising activities, added: “Fundraising has been very difficult due to the lack of public events and opportunities available to us throughout the pandemic. This donation will enable us to further our important work developing the nature reserve and ensuring that the wetlands is safely accessible to all, to enjoy and benefit from getting closer to nature.”
Ed Best, Regional Manager at SUEZ recycling and recovery UK, concluded: “SUEZ is delighted to make these donations and be able to give something back to the local community. We know just how vital local charities and community groups are now more than ever and are therefore particularly pleased to be able to offer some support at this difficult time.”
SUEZ’s newly introduced annual fund is intended to support local good causes makes up part of the organisation’s wider corporate giving.
This includes its partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support which recently saw SUEZ pass a significant milestone, with donations to Macmillan over the last 5 years reaching £300,000.