Volunteers from award-winning Winchester architectural practice – ArchitecturePLB – ventured to Whitchurch last week to help out with efforts to remove invasive Himalayan Balsam and Monkey Flower from the watermeadows surrounding the River Test including The Weir watermeadow, Millennium Meadow and adjacent Orchid Meadow.
The team were CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) volunteers and joined forces with local volunteers from Whitchurch Conservation Group and the Whitchurch Millennium Green Trust to undertake the environmental clean-up.
A huge amount of Himalayan Balsam was removed successfully. The volunteers also successfully tackled the invasive Monkey Flower that had completely clogged up a stream in the Orchid Meadow, allowing it to flow again. The cool temperature of the River Test provided a welcome respite from the high temperatures!
The volunteering day was led by David Oakley, Conservation Officer at the Wild Trout Trust, whose careful instruction and guidance provided a useful knowledge-based backdrop to the hands-on practical work. David said “The work we achieved in only a day, was incredible. The team witnessed first-hand how destructive some invasive species can be, and it was so rewarding to see the difference we made.”
WCG Chair Lucie Follett Maitland “We are very grateful to ArchitecturePLB for their help; they have made such a transformative difference.” Dave Titcomb, lead trustee at the Whitchurch Millennium Green Trust added “The assistance given to us by ArchitecturePLB has really helped us to control the spread of these invasive species and to keep the Millennium Meadow in a great condition to support the varied plant and animal life. Huge thanks to them.”
Nick Mirchandani, Director at ArchitecturePLB, said: “The beautiful Upper Test Valley in Whitchurch was the setting for our volunteering day this year. As architects we spend a lot of time thinking about and influencing the environment, so it was good to swap the office for a day of looking after one, and to see the difference a group effort can make in a few hours. Our thanks to the Whitchurch Conservation Group, the Whitchurch Millennium Green Trust, and the Wessex Rivers Trust for making us so welcome.”
The corporate volunteering day was coordinated by Courtney Brain, the Test and Itchen INNS Project Coordinator at Wessex Rivers Trust and organised by Whitchurch Conservation Group. Structured Himalayan Balsam pulling volunteering days with Whitchurch Conservation Group, including a complimentary picnic lunch, are available during the June to September period. Groups of 10-20 individuals can be accommodated.
Courtney said, “Interested businesses looking for a worthwhile local endeavour for their employees should contact the Wessex Rivers Trust to arrange and we will gladly put you in contact with Whitchurch Conservation Group.”
