Volunteers improve Bristol park for visitors

A South Bristol park has been given some TLC by employee volunteers to help make it more appealing to local people.

A team of ten planted 300 daffodil bulbs, cut back wildflower meadows, cleared bramble and collected 3 bags of litter at Withywood Park.

The city-based staff spent a day supporting Your Park Bristol and Bath, a charity working to make public green spaces more accessible, safe, inclusive and nature-rich to aid people’s health.

Volunteer Rachel Drake said: “I had a great day. It was very enjoyable to spend time outside doing a variety of conservation tasks that got us moving, while at the same time providing an opportunity to get to know colleagues from other teams. It was also rewarding to know our work was contributing to a better park for the local community to enjoy.”

Rachel Ellis, Nature and Community Lead at Your Park Bristol and Bath, said: “The continued hands-on support we receive from National Grid teams allows us to improve our green spaces for both nature and local communities in ways that would not be possible without their help.

“Their efforts in clearing litter and planting spring bulbs in Withywood Park mean the space will be more welcoming and sustainable for people and pollinators alike. These small but consistent actions create the greatest long-term impact. We’d like to thank the NGED volunteers for all they’ve done.”

Our team were supporting the charity as part of National Grid’s inaugural Global Grid for Good Day of Service. The day is part of the company’s social impact and community engagement initiative, dedicated to making a positive impact in the communities it serves.

This programme focuses on three pillars: supporting community resilience; increasing access to affordable energy and developing the energy workforce.

Komie Jain, National Grid’s Global Head of Social Impact and Community Engagement, said: “I’m grateful for the impactful work our community partners are doing, working side-by-side with our volunteers, many of whom live and work in the communities we serve. Volunteering is not just about giving back, it’s about creating connections and strengthening communities.”

NGED has delivered more than 17,000 volunteer hours to communities since the launch of its employee volunteering programme in April 2024.