An ‘EPIKS’ day of environmental action for Kirklees’ Our Cultural Heart corporate volunteers!

On a foggy day in November EPIKS (Environmental Projects in Kirklees) welcomed an eager band of corporate volunteers from BAM UK and Ireland, and their supply chain for Kirklees Council’s Our Cultural Heart project, to Huddersfield Riverside Nature Park.

BAM staff were joined by volunteers from Phoenix Brickwork, EDSB Compliance Solutions and Turner & Townsend, helping EPIKS keep the track on Kilner Bank open and accessible for fire crews from West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.

After a few hours of serious labour, EPIKS Environmental Ranger Gilly Dukes showed them round the beautiful riverside space around Accu Stadium that they look after in partnership with Huddersfield Town Football Club .
Among the corporate volunteers joining on the day was Tom Wimpenny, BAM’s senior site manager for the Our Cultural Heart project in Huddersfield town centre. Tom’s currently looking after Phase One of the project, turning the former Queensgate Market Hall and Piazza into a library hub, food hall and public square.

Tom said,
“It’s been great to get out in the environment and do some work in the community, especially at the minute for BAM as we have such a big project on in Huddersfield town centre. It’s lovely for me personally as a local Huddersfield lad to give something back. I appreciate the chance to spend some time in nature, getting a bit of fresh air away from my desk.

It’s a treat to spend some time working in a different way with people from our supply chain too. Usually when we meet it’s very formal. This is a great way to get to know the people we work with on a personal level.”

The corporate volunteers’ work in Huddersfield Riverside Nature Park is part of a long term program of work EPIKS has been developing since 2022. By developing a riverside nature park from Lockwood to Snow Island and out to the Accu Stadium, they’re establishing a haven for wildlife near to Huddersfield town centre. They’re working with volunteers, local companies, community groups, schools, colleges and Huddersfield University. There’s work to do in Huddersfield Riverside Nature Park all year round so they always have opportunities to don some gloves and tool up!

You can read more about Huddersfield Riverside Nature Park, volunteering and opportunities for corporate volunteering and sponsorship on the EPIKS website https://epiks.org.uk/