Earlier this month a team from our UK Marine business rolled up their sleeves for a ‘Lend a Hand’ volunteering litter pick in the scenic villages of Twyford and Compton Lock.

Joined by Cllr Susan Cook (Ward Councillor for Colden Common & Twyford, Winchester City Council), the group collected rubbish from local streets, footpaths, and the surrounding countryside, including the picturesque Compton Lock, a stretch of the River Itchen designated both as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) for its rich biodiversity and floodplain meadows.

The day was inspired by Marine’s Susie Taylor – she shared: “As a member of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, I’ve always enjoyed getting out into the countryside and wanted to support a local area of natural beauty, used and enjoyed by the wider public. We got in touch with the H&IOW Trust who in turn then directed us to Tom Bristowe at the Litter Partnership and Cllr Susan Cook.  We are grateful for their time and enthusiasm which enabled us to set up the day.”

Cllr Cook was full of praise for the effort:

“We were blessed with wonderful weather and I’m so glad the company took this challenge on. What the team achieved today was amazing.”

The volunteers ensured all collected waste was disposed of responsibly. The cans were donated to the Air Ambulance Yellow Bin in Colden Common, plastics went to the appropriate recycling streams and remaining rubbish was placed in suitable waste bins.

Marine team members taking part included: Will Bridge, Mark Hampton, Mark Williams, Sam Ringwood, Alex Peacock, Susie Taylor, Joseph Holcroft and Rebecca Rickaby.

Well done everyone, we hope you all enjoyed your day.