An enthusiastic team of NI Water volunteers recently joined the National Trust at Robin’s Well on the slopes of Belfast’s Black Mountain, to help protect and restore the local ecosystem. The team rolled up their sleeves to remove invasive plant species, plant new hedging and carry out a litter pick at the remote site, which enjoys spectacular views across Belfast.
The volunteering day is part of NI Water’s ‘Cares Challenge’ project which has been operating successfully for over ten years and is one of the largest corporate volunteering schemes in the province.
To date, more than 1,850 colleagues have taken part in over 130 challenges, contributing more than 13,000 volunteering hours to support communities across Northern Ireland. In the latest project, volunteers from across NI Water made a valuable contribution to the National Trust’s conservation work at Robin’s Well.
Fiachra Tierney, Cares Challenge Volunteer from NI Water, said: “This was a physically demanding but very rewarding challenge in a very scenic location. I enjoyed the opportunity to meet and work with NI Water colleagues from across the business and to help the National Trust with their fantastic local conservation work at Robin’s Well. It was very satisfying to see how much work our group got through by the end of the day and knowing we contributed to a very worthwhile cause”.
As part of the programme, activities are planned for various groups throughout Northern Ireland each year and are set up in partnership with Business in the Community’s NI Cares Programme. The programme identifies organisations and charities within the local community who need a helping hand with physical tasks such as gardening and painting.
Rose Kelly, Director of People and Learning, explained: “Our handy helpers have undertaken everything from gardening, painting and maintenance to environmental and fundraising days. It is often the extra support that these groups require to enhance their facilities, improve the lives of their members and operate their centres successfully.
“Volunteering has also proved to be a key part of our health and wellbeing toolkit. Our teams gain so much from the experience, not only by helping the community, but also having the chance to spend time with colleagues from around the business that they might not otherwise have a chance to meet.”
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