AND FINALLY Robert Price helps nesting initiative


Builders merchant Robert Price is delighted to support Project Nestbox. The conservation project, led by Richard Evans, aims to attract and increase the population of declining species like Barn Owls, Spotted Flycatchers, Pied Flycatchers, Redstarts, and more. Over 200 nest boxes situated around the Blorenge mountain were in a desperate need of replacing last year, and Robert Price Builders’ Merchants helped with the donation of much-needed materials.


Evans said: “I had about 200 nest boxes out of the 600 hundred I monitor in the Pontypool and Abergavenny areas which were in total disrepair. At one point I honestly thought I would have to go without replacing the nest boxes due to finding it extremely


difficult to source materials to construct replacements. Thankfully, after approaching Robert Price they agreed to donate a wide range of materials.”


After seeing the appeal, Robert Price supplied a range of materials including: DPC rolls, PSE timber, plywood, Truguard paints, and more.


Molly Pike, marketing director at Robert Price said: “When we saw Richard’s appeal on Facebook for a local company to support him with timber for nest box production, we were immediately keen to assist. His inspiring work is extensive and very local to a number of our branches which made it a great fit for us to get involved in. We’re delighted to offer even this small assistance to Richard and help his efforts to support biodiversity.


Evans now has 700 small nest boxes, 15 Barn Owl, 5 Tawny Owl, 5 Little Owl, and numerous Dormice nest boxes, all ready for 2023’s nesting season.


“He also does fantastic work engaging with others looking to develop their woodworking skills, and even collaborates with local schools to help inspire and educate the next generation on the importance of working with, and not against nature.”


Grant UK promotes biodiversity


Grant UK has been focusing on biodiversity at its new Headquarters in Swindon, Wiltshire. The first phase of the biodiversity programme commenced earlier this year with the planting of over 4,000 bulbs which have just started to bloom. Laurel, lavender and rhododendrons have been planted surrounding the patio areas where employees can sit and relax during their breaks. Laurel trees have also been planted elsewhere on the site


to create additional pockets of nature and green areas amongst the urban spaces. Compost bins


have been made from recycled pallets and these will enable Grant UK to collect and compost the fallen leaves and cut grass from the site, compost which will then be used in the new growing season


when fresh plants and bulbs are ready to be sewn. At the end


Grant and Stone helps African sustainability project


Grant & Stone has enabled a water pump to be installed in Manicaland in Zimbabwe,, which will provide much-needed clean and fresh drinking water for hundreds of people in the province. Grant & Stone installed AquAid watercoolers into its 44 locations. With each purchase of an AquAid watercooler, the company automatically donated to The Africa Trust, which works to bring sustainable solutions to poverty in Africa, allowing for an


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Elephant Pump to be installed in Manicaland. The pump is a modified version of a Chinese rope pulley system designed to lift water and is constructed and maintained using materials that are locally available in rural sub-Saharan African communities. It is capable of producing up to 10,000 litres of clean water every day.


Fern Shaw from AquAid said: “The positive knock-on effects of building these pumps will benefit the recipients for decades.


Implementing these sustainable solutions is only possible thanks to the invaluable custom of businesses like Grant & Stone. We are delighted they chose to partner with us on this very worthwhile initiative.”


Mat Miller, managing director of Grant & Stone’s building division, added: “By simply installing AquAid watercoolers into all our branches the company has been able to make such a difference to hundreds of people’s lives, and it’s


fantastic to see the Grant & Stone water pump up and running.” To date, AquAid has built over 8,000 Elephant Pumps across parts of Liberia, Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe, and has donated in excess of £19 million to charity.


www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net May 2023


of March, wildflower seeds were also planted and these will provide a natural haven for bees, butterflies and more when the flowers grow. Grant UK will also be taking part in “No Mow May” allowing the grass areas on the site to grow, encouraging the daisies, dandelions and clover to flower which will boost pollination. “Making our Swindon Headquarters a great space to work meant creating engaging indoor spaces and inspiring outside areas,” says Anna Wakefield, Head of Marketing at Grant UK.


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