A boost for staff and nature at Southern Water

Grounds maintenance worked with Equans to create a new space for their end client

In October 2024, Ground Control's grounds maintenance teams continued to voluntarily enhance spaces for clients and nature, this time working with Equans and their end client Southern Water on a utility site.

Working on-site as a grounds maintenance supplier, and providing extra works such as the removal of invasive weeds and safety-focused arboriculture works, the opportunity arose to work with volunteers to enhance an area of land for staff to enjoy and nature to thrive.

The project was completed by a combination of Ground Control regional managers, local field teams and volunteers from both Equans and Southern Water who completed seeding and created bug hotels. Volunteers also participated in a classroom-style session to work on additional nature-focused projects.

Biodiversity enhancements for nature included the creation of a new wildflower area and the building of bug hibernacula. The combination of these should provide food, shelter and homes for a range of native wildlife.

Along with a new area for nature, the project also created a new pathway for staff and installed street furniture to enable them to relax and to enjoy the space.

Graham Bird, Grounds Maintenance Operations Director, who supported with works, commented:

It’s exciting to be able to give something back to nature and to the fantastic staff who joined us on site. I am looking forward to seeing how the space evolves in the years to come, and watching as the planting establishes and nature flourishes.

The team are set to return to the site and add wildflower seed.