Wyevale Nurseries is sponsoring a wood near its site in partnership with the Herefordshire Wildlife Trust to help save the habitat which was originally given to the charity by the company’s founder. 

The collaboration surrounding Wyevale Wood marks a significant step in the Hereford-based business’ journey towards sustainability and community involvement and reflects its ongoing commitment to conservation and environmental stewardship. 

Chairman of Wyevale Nurseries at Kings Acre, Heather Williamson explains: “Harry Williamson, my grandfather, donated the wood to the Herefordshire Wildlife Trust in 1990, so when the opportunity for sponsorship came up, due to concerns regarding ongoing funding of the woodland’s management, we leapt at the chance to step in and help. We’ve also now joined the Trust as an Investor in Wildlife and are delighted to be supporting nature’s recovery in our county.  

“To back the ongoing maintenance and preservation of Wyevale Wood, which is a nature reserve close to us, we have proudly donated £1,000. This contribution is dedicated to ensuring the health and vitality of the woodland, benefiting both local wildlife and community groups, who enjoy the natural beauty of the area.  

“We believe in the power of collective action and will be encouraging our staff to engage with the management and maintenance of Wyevale Wood. By participating in conservation activities, our team will not only have a chance to contribute to the wellbeing of the environment but will also gain invaluable experience and insight into the importance of sustainability. 

“Our sponsorship of Wyevale Wood highlights our commitment to weaving sustainability into the fabric of our community initiatives” 

By partnering with the Herefordshire Wildlife Trust, Wyevale Nurseries’ aims to: 

• Enhance biodiversity by supporting the diverse species that call Wyevale Wood home. 

• Educate and inspire by providing opportunities for community education around conservation efforts and sustainable practices. 

• Foster community engagement by encourage those living nearby and the company’s staff to actively participate in preserving natural habitats. 

Heather concludes: “Together, with the Herefordshire Wildlife Trust and our dedicated team, we’re excited to contribute to a sustainable future of Wyevale Wood. We look forward to the positive impact our efforts will have on the environment and the local community.” 

Wyevale Nurseries are also collaborating with the Trust to improve habitat along parts of the Yazor Brook within the tree nursery site as part of the ‘Wye Adapt to Climate Change’ project. Planned action here will protect the brook from the impacts of livestock such as poaching and erosion, reduce nutrients entering the brook, and provide Natural Flood Management (NFM) benefits by slowing the flow of surface water runoff. On other parts of the site, woodland and wetland features will be created. Connecting areas of existing habitat or developing habitat corridors enables wildlife to move across the landscape in response to extreme weather events such as flooding, drought and wildfires. 

Heather adds: “We recognise that we have a significant role to play in contributing to the greening of our landscapes and gardens, while operating sustainably, making a valuable contribution to our people and community, as well as our shared environment.  

“We’ve recently created a new reservoir to help capture, store and recycle more water. It will attract and provide habitat for wildlife, as well as helping to alleviate local flooding risks and providing water storage to protect against drought.”  

Wyevale Nurseries is planting a native hedgerow and wildflower meadows by the reservoir. The site will also be enhanced with new bat and bird boxes, insect blocks and a hedgehog nesting box. Three hibernacula, which are underground shelters for reptiles and amphibians, will be constructed too. 

Herefordshire Wildlife Trust Head of Nature Action, Frances Weeks says: “We’re delighted to be working with Wyevale Nurseries. Our mission is to put nature into recovery, reversing the declines in the abundance and diversity of native habitats and wildlife. The Trust, however, can’t do this alone. We need collaborations like this with landowners, communities, schools and businesses to create a wilder, greener and more sustainable Herefordshire.”