Bowker MINI centres volunteer staff time for River Ribble conservation

Two Lancashire car dealerships have pledged staff time to help with conservation improvements on the River Ribble and its associated tributaries. 

Bowker MINI on Preston Docks and Trident Park in Blackburn will volunteer staff time to The Ribble Rivers Trust from August. The centres will also invite MINI owners to join them in volunteering activities.

The Ribble Rivers Trust is involved in a number of important conservation activities in the Ribble catchment area. Volunteers will be involved in organised support which may include tree planting, clean-ups, fencing, and brash building using wood from fallen trees.

For Bowker MINI in Blackburn, Daniel Gibson said: “All our staff live locally. Many of our staff enjoy the Ribble Valley countryside for recreation and leisure pursuits. Bowker MINI already supports a range of local charities and organisations. But we wanted to build on our volunteering and charity partnerships; especially when it comes to helping the local area.”

For Bowker MINI in Preston, Peter Turner added: “With the Ribble Rivers Trust, there are many different activities and options to interest staff. We are promoting the conservation work in our Centre and to our MINI owners; encouraging them to get involved too!”

The Bowker MINI volunteering pledge also forms part of a national initiative launched by MINI UK called Big Love. MINI retailers nationally have submitted a unique Big Love pledge. Each pledge is an ongoing commitment to each retailer’s local community. This simple promise encourages centres to build partnerships with local organisations, like The Ribble Rivers Trust, to deliver help and support.

The Ribble Rivers Trust is a local charity working to improve, protect and promote the River Ribble for both people and wildlife.  Based in Clitheroe, the Trust works with the public and private organisations to deliver river improvements. Projects can take place across the entire Ribble catchment for the benefit of local people and the environment.

Jack Spees, chief executive for The Ribble Rivers Ribble Trust, said: “Our team of Ribble Rivers Trust volunteers are incredibly important to us. They are the vital work force we need to help deliver our projects, and the eyes and ears of this vast area! It’s great news that Bowker MINI staff will be joining us. 

“With over 3,114 miles of rivers and streams in the catchment there is always a lot to do. Bowker MINI staff will enjoy the great outdoors and meet like-minded people, as well as gaining experience and learning new skills.

“All Bowker MINI’s help is appreciated. Their volunteers will be able to do as much or as little as they can manage. We can’t be everywhere at once. But, with a dedicated team of volunteers on the ground, we can get pretty close!”

Organisations interested in volunteering for the Ribble Rivers Trust can find out more here by visiting ribbletrust.org.uk/volunteer/