EGL2 volunteers support Mires Beck Nursery in three-day community effort
More than 33 volunteers from Eastern Green Link 2 (EGL2) and its project partners joined forces in March to support Mires Beck Nursery, completing three days of hands-on work at the 14-acre conservation site.
Colleagues from National Grid, SSEN Transmission and contractor partners Hitachi Energy, BAM, Prysmian and Balfour Beatty took part in the initiative, delivering practical improvements that will benefit both people and wildlife at the nursery.
Mires Beck Nursery provides horticultural training and outdoor work opportunities for adults with learning difficulties, autism and physical disabilities. EGL2 are proud to support the charity, and this visit further strengthened the relationship while making a lasting, visible difference across the site.
Leanne from Mires Beck said:
“It has been a wonderful opportunity for the different contract partners to come together to help us with a number of tasks. The work they have done will make a real difference to our service users by making the woodland path accessible and contributing to the conservation work in our woodland. We are so grateful for their enthusiasm and support and we look forward to the chance to work together in the future.”
During the first day, volunteers carried out a range of tasks including planting new areas, clearing overgrown willow, repairing bug hotels and relining sections of the nursery’s nature walk pathway.
On the second day, teams focused on removing remaining willow and constructing a series of ‘dead hedges’, which are natural structures that create safe wildlife corridors and help improve biodiversity across the grounds.
The final day saw volunteers transform the charity’s staff car park by levelling the surface, laying durable rubber matting and securing it with fresh gravel, helping to weatherproof the area for the months ahead.
Neil Lyons, Project Director for EGL2, said:
“The energy and commitment our volunteers showed at Mires Beck was outstanding. Bringing together teams from across EGL2 and our contractor partners to make a visible difference on the ground is something we’re hugely proud of. These efforts didn’t just improve the site, they strengthened our connection with a charity doing incredible work in the community.”
The work completed over the three days has enhanced accessibility, supported local wildlife and improved the overall environment at Mires Beck, while highlighting the strong partnership between EGL2 and its contractor community. We look forward to continuing to work with Mires Beck in the future.
Simon Davis, Social Sustainability Manager for BAM, said:
“Our team thoroughly enjoyed volunteering at Mires Beck Nursery. It was a rewarding experience that allowed us to support an organisation doing remarkable work in a beautiful setting. The welcome we received, energy and positivity shown by both the staff and the service users, made a real impression on everyone who took part. We look forward to supporting Mires Beck again in the future.”
Giuseppe Cardamone, EGL2 Project Director at Prysmian, said:
“It was fantastic to see our team working together with EGL2 partners to support such an important community space. The work being carried out at Mires Beck Nursery demonstrates the real impact environmental stewardship and community collaboration can have. We are proud to contribute our time to initiatives that enhance local biodiversity while creating welcoming spaces for visitors to enjoy.”
Julie Heaton, Social Impact Advisor at Balfour Beatty, added:
“Supporting Mires Beck through volunteering was a rewarding opportunity to connect with our community and contribute to a charity that provides vital support for people with learning difficulties. It was a meaningful reminder of the positive impact we can create when we invest our time locally.”
EGL2 would welcome the opportunity to carry out volunteering work with other organisations in the future. If you feel EGL2 would be a good fit for your organisation please contact [email protected].
