A team of Esh Construction volunteers have repaired a walkway at Washington Wetland Centre after flooding caused significant damage.
The pathway to the Otter Enclosure at the popular visitor attraction was rendered out of action following a surge of water passing through the site which eroded the footpath. After seeing news of the incident on social media, Esh Construction offered to assist while working on a site in the local area.
With the help of a generous donation of materials and keen volunteers, the existing voids in the pavement which had been washed away were filled, and the full area re-compacted. The footpath was dressed with Winstone Aggregate to create a smart, more even finish.
The centre is operated by Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT), the UK’s leading wetland conservation charity, and contains an array of birds, small mammals and plants to provide a thriving wetland zone on the banks of the River Wear.
WWT Washington’s Grounds and Facilities Manager, Daniel Barker, said: “We’d like to say a huge thank you to the Esh Construction team for all the hard work that they’ve done in repairing our path. It’s looking very good down there and we really appreciate the time and effort they put in, especially reaching out with help in the first instance.
“Their generosity means that our visitors and members can once again access the area leading from our otters to Wader Lake, which is a wonderful part of site at this time of year, with birds including snipe, teal, shoveler and curlew in good numbers, plus our grey heron colony returning to nest.
“Thank you so much and we look forward to the path having lots of footfall this coming year!”
Esh Construction pledged its support to the cause as part of its social value commitments on the Parsons Depot Redevelopment which is being delivered on behalf of Sunderland County Council.
Stuart Rand, Project Manager at Esh Construction, said: “At Esh, we’re passionate about supporting and enriching our local communities. Visitor attractions have been hit hard through pandemic closures therefore we were keen to provide our assistance to ensure visitors could continue accessing all parts of the Wetland Centre.”
At Esh, we’re passionate about supporting and enriching our local communities. Visitor attractions have been hit hard through pandemic closures therefore we were keen to provide our assistance to ensure visitors could continue accessing all parts of the Wetland Centre.”
