Gavin Williamson MP joined a group of people from Carillion at Highgate Common Nature Reserve for a day of 'bracken-bashing'.

The activity was part of Carillion's sustainability week and the company's ongoing support for the Wildlife Trust through Carillion's Natural Habitats Fund.

Armed with scythes and sticks the volunteers spent the day bashing bracken to help wildlife flourish. Bracken is a vigorous plant that grows faster and taller than other plants, reducing the range of plants and animals in the affected habitats. By hitting grown bracken with sticks the stems are bruised. The plant then loses energy re-growing and, if the process is repeated during the year, the plant's growth is hampered.

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Hannah Dalton, Highgate Common warden from Staffordshire Wildlife Trust said: "With Highgate Common home to an important range of wildlife habitats, including rare lowland heathland, keeping the bracken under control is a vital part of managing the reserve, and making sure wildlife thrives here. We are very grateful for the support of Carillion, the volunteers and Mr. Williamson."

David Picton, Carillion's chief sustainability officer said: "Our sustainability week is a great opportunity for all our people across our international operations to get involved in activities which make a real difference and support our 2020 sustainability strategy. Protecting the environment and promoting biodiversity is one of our six Positive Outcomes, so this was a good opportunity to do that and to work with a local community."

(CD/IT)