Over the last year, over 180 Royal Bank of Scotland employees have volunteered for seven canalside improvement projects, giving up 180 days and £9,000 in volunteer time value.
Autumn 2009
Working alongside staff from The Waterways Trust Scotland and British Waterways Scotland, most recently 30 Royal Bank of Scotland directors took a break from money matters to create a new 3km nature trail in woods alongside The Falkirk Wheel and the Forth & Clyde Canal.
Cutting through vegetation and removing old fencing, the team created new connecting paths to The Falkirk Wheel Visitor Centre and canal basin. Over coming months, the new waterway access will be complemented by information boards giving an insight into local wildlife and the history of the Forth & Clyde Canal.
David Salthouse, from RBS explains the appeal of getting involved in the Scottish canal network: “The new nature trail at The Falkirk Wheel is one of a series of environmental improvement volunteer days where we have worked with The Waterways Trust to improve the environment around the canals. These projects give us a chance not only make a positive difference to local amenities but also to give something back to the community.”
Other projects which RBS volunteers have supported include the creation of a community orchard at Wester Hailes on the Union Canal and replanting the Scents and Sensitivities Garden at Auchinstarry Basin on the Forth & Clyde Canal near Kilsyth.
Do you have a comment to make on this story or would you like your employees to get involved in a similar volunteer programme? Please get in touch by emailing helen.hunter@thewaterwaystrust.org.uk.
