National Grid Volunteers Help the Hills

The whole of National Grid’s Project Development team undertook a Corporate Volunteering day with us recently. It was an opportunity to give something back to the communities and environment that will be impacted by their Hinkley Point 400kV Cable project that will be sunk underground through the Mendip Hills AONB. The event, coordinated by us provided them with an opportunity to take part in a variety of fun team building activities with a practical purpose.

Their volunteers worked in a different locations overseen by our staff and volunteers.

• Restored of existing steps used by all the caving groups to get to Goatchurch Cavern
• Using a *LIDAR, laser scanning tool, they surveyed footpaths to measure erosion
• Built cross drains which involved digging out a pathway and set rocks to divert run off water from path to reduce erosion
• Cutting back ground and overhanging vegetation from bridleway to improve accessibility
• Restored signs and information panels, which involved sanding down and re-finish with wood preservative treatment

Jim Hardcastle, Manager of the Mendip Hills AONB Unit said, “What an amazing day! It was brilliant to have National Grid along to help conserve and enhance the Burrington Commons, a key site for the history and wildlife and an important gateway to the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The weather and terrain were challenging but everyone got stuck in and was really enthusiastic. My staff and volunteers all commented on what a pleasure it was to work alongside yourselves. On behalf of the community of the Mendip Hills thanks for your effort.”