Gavin Williamson, MP for South Staffordshire, was bashing bracken at Highgate Common on Friday 6th June.
The local MP took part in an environmental day organised by local business Carillion, a long term sponsor of The Wildlife Trust through its Natural Habitats Fund.
The company has been working with the charitable organisation for a number of years in a bid to help the site flourish and to encourage heather, and other heathland plants, to re-colonise the land.
The latest project saw volunteers protecting the plants from bracken, a vigorous plant that grows faster and taller than other plants, reducing the range of plants and animals in the affected habitats.
Everyone pitched in to help with the bracken bashing, which entails hitting the fern with sticks and scythes so that the stems are bruised. The plant then loses energy re-growing and, if the process is repeated during the year, the plant’s growth is hampered.
A number of volunteers also used carpentry tools to make wooden nest boxes for dormice, in a bid to attract more wildlife into the area.
Gavin said: “I very much enjoyed bashing bracken with the other volunteers on Highgate Common. We are extremely lucky to have this nature reserve nearby and it is important that we do our utmost to ensure it is well maintained.
“Carillion’s Natural Habitats Fund and sustainability week are great examples of how a company and its people can provide practical and ongoing support for environment projects which make a real difference to areas which benefit all of us.”
Hannah Dalton, Highgate Common warden from Staffordshire Wildlife Trust said: “With Highgate Common home to an important range of wildlife habitats, including rare lowland heathland, keeping the bracken under control is a vital part of managing the reserve, and making sure wildlife thrives here. We are very grateful for the support of Carillion, the volunteers and Mr. Williamson.”
David Picton, Carillion’s chief sustainability officer added: “Our sustainability week is a great opportunity for all our people across our international operations to get involved in activities which make a real difference and support our 2020 sustainability strategy. Protecting the environment and promoting biodiversity is one of our six Positive Outcomes, so this was a good opportunity to do that and to work with a local community.”