Eleven volunteers from Severn Trent rolled up their sleeves to protect Tamworth homes from flooding. 

They recently joined Warwickshire Wildlife Trust to remove willow and scrub from Alvecote Pools in Tamworth to prevent them from taking over the wetland and ensuring the floodplain can continue to act as it should, providing flood protection for local properties. 

The volunteering days are part of Severn Trent’s community champions scheme, established in 2017, which allows every member of staff to spend two working days a year doing voluntary work and further supports the company’s Get River Positive commitments.  

Dave Cork, from Severn Trent who volunteered on the day, said: “It’s great that Severn Trent gives us the chance to give back to the local community and have fun at the same time. It was great to get away from the office as a team in what is a beautiful environment to make a difference. 

“It was a bit of a workout removing the overgrowth – it was like wild gardening. It demonstrates that environmental protection and sustainability are core to the culture of Severn Trent and shows how much we all really care.” 

Severn Trent’s Get River Positive campaign was launched in March, to take a leading role in making the region’s rivers the healthiest they can be.  

Severn Trent's Get River Positive commitments:  

1.       Ensure storm overflows and sewage treatment works do not harm rivers  

2.       Create more opportunities for everyone to enjoy our regions‘ rivers  

3.       Support others to improve and care for rivers  

4.       Enhance our rivers and create new habitats so wildlife can thrive  

5.       Be open and transparent about our performance and our plans  

Find out more about Get River Positive at www.getriverpositive.co.uk