Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust has been working in partnership with grounds contractor Acer Landscaping Ltd, to revamp its wildlife pond area, as part of the Trust’s Environmental Conservation Commitment.   Some of the work undertaken by staff from Acer Landscaping Ltd includes cleaning the wildlife pond, building a deck walkway to allow easier access to the area, planting a wild flower meadow and installing various bird and animal boxes.

The revamped conservation area was officially opened by children from the Derriford Happy Days Nursery, who will also be able to use the new resource, at the beginning of February 2009.

Acer Landscaping Ltd donated their staff, time and resources for this project free of charge. Robbie Ryder of Acer Landscaping Ltd, said: “We have been very lucky to have the support and hard work from other contractors and staff at the Trust. We look forward to the conservation area becoming a flagship project for patients, staff and the local community.”

Andrew Davies, Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust Head of Environmental Services, said: “The Trust’s Environmental Strategy aims to support improvements in its external environment and in particular the natural wildlife habitats of which it is a guardian.

“We are delighted that our grounds contractor Acer Landscaping Ltd has offered to donate its staff and time for this project. We are also very grateful to Southwest Highways, Graddon Vending, Burrington Way Garage, Yacht Parts Plymouth, Travis Perkins Saltash, Bond Timber, CBL Plant Hire Saltash, Key Side Metals, OPAL Contracts UK and Dave Sheds Trerulefoot for their kind donations and help with this very important project.  These improvements will not only benefit staff, but offer a therapeutic environment for patients and encourage a holistic approach to self healing.”