Bowker Mini dealerships support River Ribble Conservation

Two Mini dealerships from the Bowker Motor Group have hosted their first events to support conservation and environmental improvements on the River Ribble and its associated tributaries. 

Staff at Bowker Mini on Preston Docks and Trident Park in Blackburn joined forces with their customers to volunteer for Ribble Rivers Trust. It was the first time the dealers had collaborated with customers to work together on local conservation.

The Preston Bowker MINI Centre event focused on removing as much litter as possible at the River Ribble in Penwortham, Preston, to help free the river and riverbanks from waste and plastic and preventing it from reaching the sea.

The Bowker Mini Centre in Blackburn went brash bundling along Bashall Brook, near Bashall Eaves. Brash bundles are used to protect the riverbank from further erosion. Bundles are created from coppiced Willows and act as natural barriers, dispersing the energy of the river water, and providing habitat for fish and invertebrates.

Amy Lancaster-Hall, Bowker’s group marketing manager, said: “Mini is built on Big Love, and we're on a mission to make life brighter. Two little words with the power to inspire a world of change. Many of our staff and customers live locally and enjoy the Lancashire countryside for recreation and leisure pursuits. Ribble Rivers Trust created two great events. We learned so much about their mission and this is just the start of our volunteering with them.”

Last month Bowker Mini Centres made their Big Love Pledge to deliver conservation improvements in the Ribble catchment to benefit people, wildlife and the environment.

Jack Spees, chief executive for Ribble Rivers Ribble Trust, said: “Bowker Mini staff and customers made a huge difference by collecting litter and plastic in Penwortham and brash bundling in Bashall Eaves. It was the perfect blend of the great outdoors and meeting like-minded people; not forgetting gaining experience and learning new skills. 

“The events we created for Bowker Mini represent a small but important part of the Trust’s work. With over 3,114 miles of rivers and streams in the catchment there is always a lot to do.”

The Bowker MINI volunteering pledge forms part of a national initiative launched by Mini UK, called Big Love. Mini retailers nationally have submitted a unique Big Love pledge. Each pledge is an ongoing commitment to each retailer’s local community.

At the start of the year, Bowker Motor Group has struck-up a new automotive technical skills partnership with Preston College with the aim of boosting the confidence of apprentices.