Navigating Towards a Greener Future
WPR has entered its third year of partnership with the Canal and River Trust, taking care of a mile-long stretch of waterway not far from the Birmingham PR agency’s office.
After helping to improve two stretches of Birmingham canal in Smethwick over the last two years, the WPR team has now adopted a section from Winson Green Road to Waterside Drive – a high-footfall area heavily used by residents and commuters.
Jane Ainsworth, managing director, said: “Birmingham famously has more miles of canal than Venice, so when we explored ways to contribute to the green spaces and natural resources of our city, working with Canal and River Trust seemed a natural fit.
“It’s rewarding to see the tangible difference we make, creating spaces that are more pleasant for the community to use and better for wildlife. Working in the great outdoors for the day is an added bonus – although the team members who have braved freezing temperatures and pouring rain might disagree!”
Founded in 2012, the Canal and River Trust is the UK’s largest canal charity, caring for a 2,000-mile network of canals and navigable rivers. Connecting many of the UK’s urban and rural areas, canals provide valuable spaces for wildlife and people, but require constant upkeep and investment.
WPR team members use paid impact days to work with volunteer co-ordinators from the Canal and River Trust, carrying out tasks ranging from cutting back vegetation and weeding, to litter picking and removing plastic waste from the water. The ongoing partnership is part of WPR’s wider ESG commitments to support local community initiatives and have a positive impact on the planet.