News
Posted August 15, 2024 by Senga Grave
On the 9th of August 2024, Balfour Beatty, along with several partner organisations, completed the third annual Balfour Beatty Volunteer Day at Watchtree Nature Reserve. This event was established in 2022 in memory of Grant Taylor, a beloved Balfour Beatty employee who tragically passed away at the age of 22. Grant played a pivotal role in planning Balfour Beatty’s charitable support for Watchtree just before his untimely passing. To honour his legacy, colleagues and friends have continued his work, and this year’s efforts focused on enhancing the facilities of the education zone at Watchtree.
In tribute to Grant, volunteers donned ‘GT 22’ high-visibility PPE and carried forward the project he had begun with passion and dedication. Over the past three years, this day of volunteering has grown, attracting the participation of multiple organisations committed to making a positive impact.
This year’s project at Watchtree focused on the renovation of Watchtree’s education zone, including the installation of an accessible boardwalk, a triple mud kitchen unit, tree stump chairs and a climbing frame. In addition to these new features, volunteers also carried out essential maintenance to ensure the longevity of the facilities.
The organisations that collaborated on this year’s project include:
In recognition of the volunteers’ hard work and commitment, Chris Holmes the High Sheriff of Cumbria visited the reserve, where he witnessed firsthand the significant contributions made by the Balfour Beatty team, their associates, and Watchtree’s dedicated volunteers. Mr Holmes said ‘It was a pleasure to meet with Grant’s parents and see first-hand the amazing legacy that he has left. The value of volunteering is significant and makes such an impact on the county.‘ The visit served as a testament to the collective effort and community spirit that defines the Balfour Beatty Volunteer Day.
As the event continues to grow each year, the legacy of Grant Taylor lives on through the positive impact his memory has inspired. Balfour Beatty and its partners remain committed to supporting the community and enhancing local spaces, ensuring that the education zone at Watchtree continues to be a place of learning, exploration, and enjoyment for all.