The Conservation Volunteers receive equipment donation from United Utilities

The Conservation Volunteers in Sale has received a welcome boost to help continue their maintenance and preservation efforts along community waterways, thanks to a donation from United Utilities.

The Conservation Volunteers is made up of likeminded individuals who dedicate their time to maintain the area and improve a diverse range of green spaces, from local urban parks and rural woodlands to wetlands and rivers in the Sale area.

In addition to their preservation efforts, the group also hosts practical conservation activities and nature-based wellbeing sessions for the local community - aiming to connect people with nature, helping them understand the importance of protecting, improving and maintaining the varying habitats along the local waterways.

The donation from The United Utilities’ Community Fund will help the group continue their conservation efforts and facilitate family fun days and school learning sessions. The tools will also help the team undertake their vital clean-up work as part of the ongoing Medlock Valley Restoration Project. 

The Conservation Volunteers met with River Rangers from the North West’s water company as they handed over the equipment. The donation from United Utilities provided the group with a range of equipment such as wellies, litter pickers, gloves and waders, to help them continue their community conservation work safety and efficiently.

Jess Dawson, Project Officer at The Conservation Volunteers, commented: “We want to say a massive thank you to United Utilities for all their help in providing us with the equipment we needed, we all appreciate it so much. The donation will allow us to continue our vital community work, whilst also helping a diverse range of people to connect with local waterways such as the River Medlock.”

Shy Bayly, Area Engagement Lead for United Utilities, commented: “It’s crucial we do all we can to protect our local rivers and their surrounding areas - we’re really pleased to have been able to support The Conservation Volunteers.  

“They are extremely passionate about what they do and it’s encouraging to see a group of individuals dedicate their time to better their surroundings. Hopefully, our donation has given them the tools they need to become more efficient, allowing them to maintain and improve the local area for all to enjoy.”

The United Utilities’ Community Fund supports community groups whose activities:

• Benefit local watercourses and riverside environments
• Act as catalyst for improved community and environmental wellbeing
• Reconnect communities to riverside environments
• Promote sustainable drainage

Groups can apply to the fund for up to £2,500 worth of support by emailing  Stakeholderrelations@uuplc.co.uk with details of their request.