Local businesses rally to help doorstep nature

This is a plant that is nationally scarce, and has been in decline for many years. However, the Brecks is one of the few remaining strongholds for this plant, so conserving it wherever it is found is vital.

Although an industrial estate is not an obvious place to find rare wildlife, many hidden gems can be found in such places across the district. Forest Heath District Council is keen to work with businesses in the area to manage these sites and would welcome any businesses who would like to take part in our Corporate Community Champions Scheme and find out more about the benefits of volunteering for their workforce and business.

Thermoreg Products Ltd and Angels Café, both of Chiswick Avenue in Mildenhall, are supporting the work. Volunteers from these companies will be joining Forest Heath District Council's Countryside Team at 10 am on the 19 December.

 "We have known this small area near our business premises was important for some time, but we did not know why. Finding out about the site and how we can help look after it has been a real eye opener. Contributing a little time to help out also gives us a break in our day and its great to be involved in something outside of the workplace" said Kevin Addison, Technical Manager of Thermoreg Products.

Roadside Nature Reserves (RNRs) are identified and management co-ordinated by Suffolk County Council's Ecologists. Many roadside verges are very old, lining routes that have changed very little since they were laid down centuries ago. Many of these verges are remnants of the semi-natural grassland that was once widespread throughout the country, but which has declined by 98% since 1945, as a result of changes of land use, intensive cultivation and drainage.

Volunteer Wardens are also needed to help look after these RNR sites, acting as local eyes and ears, and also getting involved in their management. A number of RNRs including the one on Mildenhall Industrial Estate need Wardens. Anyone interested in either becoming a RNR voluntary warden, or the Corporate Community Champion Scheme should contact the District Councils Countryside Team on 01638 719214 or countryside@forest-heath.gov.uk