Free corporate volunteer days are available to local businesses in Stoke-on-Trent who can lend a hand in bringing a rare butterfly back to its historic home.
The dingy skipper thrives in the unlikely habitat of the old spoil heaps of Chatterley Whitfield Heritage Country Park – and help is needed to restore its habitat.
All tools and training will be provided to businesses who would like to do something positive for the environment and make a difference to local wildlife.
A spokesperson for Stoke-on-Trent City Council, which is appealing for businesses to help out, said: “In the morning, you’ll be clearing overgrown woody vegetation so that bird’s-foot trefoil, the butterfly’s primary food plant, can bloom once again and sustain future generations of dingy skipper caterpillars.
“In the afternoon, you can either continue with the nature conservation work or enjoy a nature walk or outdoor team-building session.”
Sessions run from 9.30am until 3.30pm with a one-hour break for lunch.
The first session takes place tomorrow (13 January) and others will be held on:
- 27 January
- 3, 10, 11, 12, 24 and 26 February
- 3, 5, 10, 12, 24, 26, 27 March.
Conservation work will include pruning and removing woody vegetation. Some of the tasks will be on sloping ground.
A reasonable level of fitness is required, as well as outdoor clothing.
For more information, or to book a session, email liz.peck@stoke.gov.uk
