This summer HW Martin Fencing and Forestry Ltd partnered with Wakefield County Council to donate over £4,000-worth of time, equipment and resources, helping restore South Washlands Nature Reserve – a cherished spot in the heart of Wakefield enjoyed by local residents and wildlife alike.
South Washlands is a beloved green space, offering visitors a tranquil retreat amid vibrant meadows and shaded walkways. Managed by the Wakefield Countryside Team and supported by dedicated volunteers, the reserve serves as a natural oasis for the community and visitors to connect with nature. However, by late summer, the meadow had become overgrown, blocking public access and limiting pollinators like bees from reaching flowers essential to the ecosystem. Restoring accessibility and ecological balance to the reserve called for experienced hands, and our team of forestry experts stepped up.
HW Martin Fencing and Forestry has been at the forefront of vegetation management services for over two decades, and with the recent addition of a dedicated ecology department, we now provide even more robust solutions for environmental stewardship. Our team’s expertise in vegetation management and ecological restoration empowers us to give back by supporting vital initiatives that preserve and enhance green spaces.
Our team, including HSEQ Manager Omar Jaouane, Social Value Officer Deanna Martin, and Operatives Alex Brennan, Alistar Dooley and Tom Lenton, volunteered their time to clear overgrown vegetation from South Washlands. Equipped with a specialised tractor and mulcher, our team worked through the day, meticulously restoring the reserve for public enjoyment and ecological health.
With the work complete, South Washlands is once again open, offering residents and visitors renewed access to the meadow and surrounding parklands. The carefully removed overgrowth has not only restored the beauty of the park but also allowed for the return of native wildflowers, which will support pollinators and contribute to the meadow’s natural regeneration for generations.
Brandon Freedman, Countryside Officer for Wakefield, expressed the gratitude of the Countryside team: “We wanted to say a huge thank you from the whole Countryside team for assisting us in our habitat restoration works at South Washlands. I hope we get the opportunity to work together again in the future.”
At HW Martin, we’re proud to play a role in preserving green spaces like South Washlands. By contributing our skills and resources, we’re helping to create a positive and lasting impact, not only for our community today but for the health and enjoyment of future generations.