Hampshire: Amey and Lockhams Construction do their bit for wildlife

Swanwick Lakes nature reserve, which is run by the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, has been significantly improved thanks to Amey and Lockhams Construction. 

After 20 years of use, the pathways at the popular reserve had become worn and difficult to use, but a group led by Chris Lucie from Amey and Conrad Collins from Lockhams prepared and laid over 400 sq m of tarmac pathways. Materials for the work were financed using Hampshire County Council grants.

The nature reserve includes scenic lakes, woods and grassland on a site created from abandoned clay workings. It provides a valuable space for people to relax and learn about wildlife and is regularly used by schools and charities.

Dawn Preston, from Hampshire and IOW Wildlife Trust, said: “The work has been a real success and there will be a huge improvement in our visitors’ experience of the lakes for many years to come.”  

Every Amey employee can spend a day volunteering with a charity or community group of their choice as part of its community engagement programme. Over 60% of Amey’s local workforce in Hampshire has participated.

David Fawcett, customer services manager for Hampshire highways with Amey, said: “We were very pleased to be joined by Lockhams Construction which brought its expertise to the project.”

Conrad Collins from Lockhams said: “The team enjoyed working together, and using their skills to make a real difference to this well-loved area.”