Liz Williams, Becky Guy, Bob Walsh, David Price and Samantha Boshier at Hatch Pond
Despite Hatch Pond flooding its offices in 2011, Fleetsbridge-based Hamworthy Heating has cast aside any bad feelings to take on a guardian role by operating a ‘pondwatch’ for the nature reserve.
As a part of its corporate social responsibility activities, the company has teamed up with Poole Borough Council to help with basic maintenance such as litter picking.
Staff from the leading commercial boiler manufacturer will take on the responsibility of watering an oak tree that was planted by children from Canford Heath Middle School last winter to mark the Queen’s Jubilee. The tree has suffered in the hot weather and Hamworthy Heating is hoping that with regular drinks it will be revived and go on to flourish in its new home.
Bob Walsh, technical director and head of the corporate social responsibility committee at Hamworthy Heating, explained: “One of the objectives of our CSR plan is to give back to the area that we work in, therefore supporting Hatch Pond which is located right next to our offices was high on our list of priorities. Even though it caused us a bit of trouble a couple of years ago when it burst its bank, flooding the car park up to our knees!
“Most of our staff like taking their lunch at the pond to enjoy the views and the diverse wildlife, which is surprising in such an urban area, so we are happy to donate our time to give it a little TLC.”
Councillor Xena Dion, cabinet portfolio holder at the Borough of Poole, said: “We were very pleased to hear that the CSR committee at Hamworthy Heating wanted to offer their support and find out ways in which they could help to care for Hatch Pond. Our team at Borough of Poole’s Environmental and Consumer Protection Services work hard to protect and enhance Poole’s many open spaces for people and wildlife so we are always grateful for the help of the public and local businesses.
“This is a good opportunity to raise awareness that every individual can make a difference by helping to look after the areas that they work and live in.”
The nature reserve is home to a vast array of wildlife, including mute swan, great crested grebe and the usually elusive, booming bittern. Plans are in the pipeline for the Hamworthy Heating staff to meet with the natural habitats supervisor, Terry Elborn, who will identify the native species to develop the team’s knowledge of the beauty spot on their doorstep.
