Waitrose staff 'raise for reeds'
Staff at the Droitwich Spa branch of Waitrose supermarket are showing their support for the restoration of the town’s two historic canals by raising money for the new reedbed at Coney Meadows, near Salwarpe.
Kim Chester, Development Manager for The Waterways Trust, said: “We are delighted that Waitrose employees are getting involved with this landmark project. So far, 120,000 reeds have been planted in the new reedbed, many by willing volunteers from the town. A final 20,000 reeds are needed to complete the project. Staff at Waitrose will be going all out to raise the necessary funds to buy the reeds and will then get their hands dirty planting them.” Wetland habitats such as reedbeds have been disappearing across the UK and today there are only 5,000 hectares of reedbed habitat left, and only 26 hectares in Worcestershire. The UK Biodiversity Action Plan aims to create 1,200 hectares of new reedbed by 2010, with the target for Worcestershire being 60 hectares. By creating 2.4 hectares of reedbed at the Coney Meadows site, the project will contribute to Worcestershire’s 2010 target. The new reedbed help support species such as the Reed Bunting, Reed Warbler, Marsh Warbler, Otter and Water Vole. Kim said: “Once the reedbed is established it will be a fantastic resource for Droitwich, interpretation points and a boardwalk will be installed once the canal restoration is complete. The reedbed will also be part of one of three self-guided walks that loop in and around the canal and a programme of school visits are being developed involving reed sculptures, pond dipping and wildlife identification.” Each reed costs 32 pence and Waitrose employees will be planting every reed that they buy. Members of the public can support Waitrose employees by sponsoring a reed, or more. Sponsorship forms are available at Waitrose on the Saltway. There are many opportunities for local businesses to get involved either through raising money as Waitrose is, or through employee volunteering or project sponsorship. More information is available from Kim Chester on 01452 318098. Coney Meadows reedbed is part of Droitwich Canals restoration project, a £11.9 million scheme to reconnect the Droitwich Canals with the UK canal network, creating a 21 mile cruising ring in the Worcestershire countryside – bringing new business and leisure opportunities to Droitwich.
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