Laois engineering company volunteer at Abbeyleix Bog Project

Fifteen energetic and enthusiastic employees from the Laois based Fingleton White engineering company recently donned gardening gloves and boots to reduce Rhododendron ponticum, an invasive plant species growing wild in Abbeyleix Bog. Laois Volunteer Centre organised this innovative project in conjunction with Abbeyleix Bog Project.

Rosa Mangue and Paulina Kubiliute, Design Engineers with Fingleton White said that supporting local communities in their conservation efforts is part of the company's sustainability strategy and collaborating with the Abbeyleix Bog Project proved extremely successful. "We had a really enjoyable day" she said, "it was great for team building and to also help a local environmental group."

Gary Luttrell, Treasurer of Abbeyleix Bog Project, said the it was fantastic to see so many employees showing an interest in biodiversity. He thanked the staff of Fingelton White for becoming involved in the project. “. "Tackling invasive species in the bog is a very important part of conservation. We have to regularly remove Rhododendron so that our native plant species can develop" he said.

“This project was a very successful. Everyone enjoyed the day, had some fun and helped conserve native plant flora on the Bog,” said Caitriona Ryan, Manager of Laois Volunteer Centre. “We organised it as part of our corporate volunteer programme whereby we facilitate business organisations to provide group volunteering opportunities for their employees”.

For more information on all your volunteering needs, contact Caitriona on info@volunteerlaois.ie