United Utilities supports Heaton Mersey Village Conservation Group with equipment donation

Local volunteer group, Heaton Mersey Village Conservation Group (HMVCG), has received a welcomed donation from United Utilities’ Community Fund.

Heaton Mersey Village Conservation Group, based in Stockport, is a group dedicated to maintaining local parkland, Mersey Vale Nature Park, whilst also working to improve the health of The River Mersey. The group meets regularly to restore and protect the nature spot through a range of clean up and conservation tasks, such as litter picking along the riverbanks and bramble bashing.

Heaton Mersey Village Conservation Group has been sustaining just over 26 acres of land alongside the Mersey and Sidings Community Orchard since 1999. The group has recently completed their biggest task day yet, with over 90 volunteers coming together to clean up the River Mersey.

To date, the group has relied heavily on equipment donations from other local conservation groups and volunteers to carry out their work, but in a bid to expand maintenance events along the river, HMVCG needed additional support which would help them continue their vital conservation tasks.

Keen to help the group in their efforts, United Utilities donated a set of tools and protective equipment specifically aimed at aiding the group’s work. Earlier this summer, United Utilities’ team of River Rangers met with the Heaton Mersey Village Conservation Group to handover the equipment.

Jo Ward, Heaton Mersey Village Conservation Group coordinator, commented: “The work we do on the Mersey is key and the river itself is an essential component of a healthy landscape, not only for our planet but its inhabitants too. Earlier this year, the local floods caused a significant amount of litter to build up and so, our focus has been getting the river back to a healthy state.

“We have started with a comprehensive approach to eradicate the rubbish but there’s plenty more to be done. With this donation, we can continue to make a difference to the area whilst preserving and maintaining river health.”

Shy Bayly, Area Engagement Lead for Greater Manchester at United Utilities, added: “We’re delighted to support such a passionate and proactive group. Their work not only benefits Heaton Mersey Conservation area but also plays an important role in protecting the wider water environment. Rubbish and pollution are a growing challenge across our rivers, and empowering communities with the correct tools and knowledge is crucial.

Shy continues: “United Utilities remains committed to supporting river health environmental initiatives and we look forward to seeing the positive change Heaton Mersey Village Conservation Group will continue to drive in the local area.”

The United Utilities Community Fund provides up to £2,500 to projects that focus on:

• Local watercourses
• Environmental wellbeing
• Sustainable drainage
  
  

Community groups that are interested in applying for support can email: Stakeholderrelations@uuplc.co.uk.