The AWE Charity Fund has made a £550 donation to Greenham and Crookham Conservation Volunteers (GCCV) allowing the purchase of various tools to help the group’s conservation work.
Greenham and Crookham Commons, near Newbury, are an area of open grassland and heathland forming the largest continuous tract of open heath in Berkshire. The area is enjoyed by many in the local community, along with walkers, cyclists and various nature groups. AWE’s donation will help GCCV purchase clearing tools such as pruning saws and lopping shears, along with some heavy-duty tools for maintenance of the commons.
Steve Gales, who works at AWE and volunteers with GCCV, applied to AWE’s Charity Fund which manages requests for support from individuals and local charities. Steve and his partner Christelle both help with GCCV’s conservation work on a monthly basis and regularly run there, taking advantage of the various trails at the commons.
AWE’s Charity Fund Secretary, Michele Maidment, said: “We are pleased to help the volunteering group as we know that many people, including AWE staff, enjoy visiting the commons to boost their physical and mental wellbeing. The commons are also a haven for wildlife, particularly rare ground nesting birds, so this work is very much in keeping with our Biodiversity Action Plan 2020-25 to increase local biodiversity.”
John Parker, Chairman of GCCV, commented: “Thanks for the generous donation towards the upkeep of our tools and our running costs. Your donation is very much appreciated to help the GCCV continue in its efforts to maintain and improve the commons as a valued nature conservation area and public recreation space.”
As with most lowland heath the commons tend to revert to scrub and woodland, so much of GCCV’s efforts are focused on tree and scrub clearance, and the acquired tools will assist this conservation work. The volunteers also help to maintain the infrastructure of paths, gates, fences, boardwalks and footpath signs at the commons.