As part of Focus’ social value commitments for their work with Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) on their NEY NZH Home Decarbonisation Regional Skills Plan and Pilots project, two members from the Economic Development team, George Jones and Oscar Petrou, took part in a Willow Removal project in the Dinnington Community Woodland in March. The event, organised by TCV Humber (The Conservation Volunteers), aimed to tackle the issue of willow overgrowth, which was inhibiting biodiversity in the area.

The project involved thinning out willow regrowth in the woodland’s attenuation bowl. Unlike other vegetation, willows possess an extensive root system that infiltrates watercourses, slowing down water flow and diminishing aeration. This not only affects water quality but also poses a threat to the biodiversity that TCV is striving to foster within the woodland, including increasing the tadpole population.

Equipped with the necessary equipment and know-how, George and Oscar joined forces with the TCV team, immersing themselves in the hands-on task of clearing the site, tree by tree. Despite the physically demanding nature of the work, it was satisfying to witness the results and also have the opportunity to network with other team members.

Reflecting on the experience, George remarked, ” The TCV team were so welcoming and actively encouraged us to learn more about willow removal and why it is so important to biodiversity. We were provided with saws, loppers, and waders and were invited to work as a team to clear the site tree-by-tree. Make no mistake, this was no walk in the park – a full day of hard graft was needed to clear most of the site, but the results were very satisfying and we thoroughly enjoyed meeting the TCV team.”

Initiatives such as this highlight the importance of collaboration in successful environmental conservation efforts. By actively supporting their staff in such projects, Focus continue to demonstrate their dedication to sustainability and biodiversity preservation, as well as meeting their social responsibilities as a business.