23 September 2015
In addition to their support of the Green Flag Award, DS Smith and Keep Britain Tidy are working in partnership around England in communities where DS Smith have businesses. The partnership is working towards improving green areas within our communities.
DS Smith and Keep Britain Tidy are working in partnership around England in communities where DS Smith have businesses. The partnership is working towards improving green areas within their communities.
The DS Smith staff at Kemsley Mill in Kent decided an area that needed improvement was the Saxon Shore Way which runs adjacent to the Mill along the Swale coastline. Over the years this area has been neglected. Concrete blocks and other rubbish had accumulated.
With the help of three companies that support DS Smith on the site (Hollisters, HML and FGS) some of the old mill grindstones were relocated to make a barrier to prevent vehicles accessing the footpath. These old grindstones were then cleaned in readiness for two days where volunteers litter picked and painted the area.
In addition to the grindstones, a seating area has been created and other areas secured and painted as required.
A message from Swale Borough Council about the works, "I hope you have recovered from your tidy up and planting last week, I must say it was brilliantly organised and we were so impressed with how much you have already achieved. I am always happy to come and lend a hand if you need it. Kind regards."
What the DS Smith volunteers thought, "It was great to support a really worthwhile cause. This is a really beautiful area that many people in the Mill don't know exist. Although we were next to the Mill there are certain parts of the walk where you cannot see or hear the Mill. Now the area is cleared we should make it easier to access the Saxon Shore Way from the Mill to enable employees to walk there in the summer months."
"I hope we now receive the recognition of the Green Flag award of improving our local community green space with the Green Flag Award."
Thank you to all the volunteers at Kemsley Mill: Steve E, Ada C, Lawrence M, Vanessa L, Donna C, Carol R, Carl M, Dave C, Fan T, Peter G, Jo S, Jelena R, Andy W, Alex B, Guy L, David L, Martin H, Vicki B, John B, Dave W, Pat A, Kerri B, Doug W, Pete D, Andy K, Jonathan S, Ben J and Ben's children, Amber and Noah.
Staff at other DS Smith sites around the country are doing other works to improve their local areas too. Watch this space and we'll keep you updated on other projects and successes at their sites.
