A £5,000 donation from Persimmon Homes Essex will allow Essex Wildlife Trust to purchase a specialist mower for maintaining footpaths at nature reserves across South Essex, enhancing accessibility for visitors of all ages and abilities.
Funding from Community Champions Scheme
The funding was awarded through Persimmon's Community Champions initiative, which supports local charities and community groups. Representatives recently visited Abbotts Hall nature reserve in Great Wigborough to present the cheque. The site, a former commercial farm that closed in 2019, is set to officially open later this year after a major rewilding project.
Improving Accessibility and Conservation
The new mower will keep pathways clear, making sites more accessible while protecting sensitive habitats. Terri Smith from Persimmon Homes Essex said: “At Persimmon Homes, we recognise the importance of protecting and enhancing the natural environment around us. We work hard to deliver biodiversity net gains and create new habitats that ensure wildlife can continue to thrive alongside our communities. We were delighted to visit Essex Wildlife Trust’s inspiring project at Abbotts Hall and see first-hand the incredible work being undertaken to restore and improve habitats across the county.”
Charity's Gratitude
Justine Addison, corporate partnerships manager at Essex Wildlife Trust, added: “We are very thankful to receive this new specialised mower. As a conservation charity, every donation makes a difference, and this equipment will help our team and volunteers maintain paths and access routes across our reserves. This will make it easier for people of all ages and abilities to experience the benefits of spending time in nature, while protecting more sensitive parts of the nature reserve.”
Ongoing Community Support
Persimmon's Community Champions scheme continues to run regularly, supporting organizations that make a positive difference in areas where the company builds homes.
