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Barclays make a difference at Shell Bay, Studland
The challenge
Staff from a number of Barclays based in the south joined forces for a mammoth beach clean at Shell Bay, Studland. Over 150 employee volunteers helped the National Trust ‘Make a Difference’ in October 2003. This event was organised in association with a UK-wide Community Volunteers Service initiative aimed at encouraging volunteers to get involved with activities in the local community.
The impact
Many of the Barclay volunteers were surprised at how much litter was collected on a seemingly clean beach. Everything from paper, plastic, glass, tin, wood, pottery and ceramics were removed.
The three mile beach clean was a real success for everyone concerned. 'This is a fantastic help towards the upkeep of Studland Beach and the regular year-round work that the wardens undertake', said Derek Loveless, Senior Beach Warden. 'Over 1 million visitors use Studland Beach every year and over 60 tonnes of rubbish is removed. At the end of the clean all the collected bags were weighed - they contained 431 kilos of rubbish.'
Derek went on to say: 'The fishing lines, nets and plastic can holders collected pose a real threat to wildlife, causing fatal injuries and slow death. It is vital that they are removed from the beach.'
Barclays sponsors CSV Make a Difference Day - and they make a real impact all over the UK. A number of EVP events are delivered to Barclays each year, including beach cleans, habitat management, constructing nature hinds and footpaths.
Barclays lend a hand at Charlecote Park
The challenge
Ninety Barclays employees traded the office for the great outdoors to assist with extensive conservation work at Charlecote Park, near Wellsbourne, and Hidcote Manor Garden, near Chipping Camden.
The impact
The conservation work included working with Howard Smith, the Park Warden at Charlecote Park, to carry out vital work to paths and reinforcing the boundary fence to protect the deer. At Hidcote Manor Garden volunteers lifted 400 peonies to allow the Trust to put in nursery frames for the winter. They also carried out additional work through the wider estate.
Kate Kingshott, Community Manager for the West Midlands, said: 'At Barclays we are committed to the communities in which we operate and this extends well beyond simply giving money. We are delighted to support our employees and their hard work with the National Trust. This is a fantastic example of Barclays people giving their time, energy and expertise to the local community to do something which we hope will make a real and lasting difference.'
National Trust Community and Volunteering Officer Lisa Goldsmith commented: 'Volunteers make a tremendous contribution to the work that is carried out in the region and make a real difference to the vital work the Trust carries out every year.'
Barclays get stuck in at High Wray basecamp
The challenge
Thirteen Barclays Corporate Managers volunteered without hesitation. The object of the day was to create an animal observation hide with bird boxes to encourage more wildlife to the area and encourage learning for community groups.
The impact
Barclays team leader said: 'The experience gave us the opportunity to team build in a new and totally different environment. It was very rewarding to know that our volunteering and Barclay’s contribution helped to make this event happen. The task was completed satisfactorily and in the knowledge that the hide would assist in future research and education, with a cross section of the public being able to use the facility."
Paul Kear, Basecamp Manager for High Wray, said: 'It was hard work, but a great day was had by all and we are hoping for a return visit next year. Thank you for all your hard work and enthusiasm.'
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