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The village of Shaldon is hoping to attract more than just youngsters to its newly opened play park after a ‘living willow wigwam’ and new pollinator trees and plants have been funded by gas emergency and pipeline service, Wales & West Utilities.

The play park on King George V playing field opened earlier this year after a £100,000 makeover, and now Wales & West Utilities has donated £1,000 to boost the ecosystem in the area.

This initiative is part of Wales & West Utilities' commitment to improve the areas in which it works and to help improve local biodiversity. The donation was linked to a recent £500,000 investment project which saw gas pipes across the village upgraded to keep the gas flowing now, and to prepare for the use of greener gases, including biomethane and hydrogen in the future.

Louise Alfaresi, Wales & West Utilities First Line Manager for Exeter, explains:

We were working in the Ringmore Road area for some time, and it was through this project that we built a relationship with Jo Cumbley at Shaldon Parish Council.

“We were so impressed with the renovation of the play park that when we were approached about supporting the biodiversity of that area, we were only too happy to help.”

Wales & West Utilities' donation has supported the planting of pollinators, boosting and providing a diverse ecosystem that benefits local pollinating insects and animals, enhancing the local environment, and contributing to community wellbeing. The ‘living willow wigwam’ is also aesthetically and environmentally beneficial, offering a pleasant space for community enjoyment, imaginative play and a connection with nature.

Stacy Griffiths, Wales & West Utilities Corporate Environment Lead, added:

“We are always seeking ways to positively impact the communities in which we work, and these steps will further enhance the biodiversity in Shaldon.

“We are pleased to link with the Parish Council to deliver a project that will benefit the community for years.

“The well-known effects of pollinator plants will be complemented by the ‘willow wigwam’, which, as well as providing a natural play area and shade for youngsters, will offer them a sheltered space and opportunities to engage with nature.

“We hope youngsters, and their families, get a lot of joy from the work.”

Councillor Jo Cumbley, Chair of the Playpark Committee at Shaldon Parish Council, commented:

“We are very grateful to Wales & West Utilities for their interest in our renovation of the children’s playpark in Shaldon and for their very generous donation, which enabled us to enhance the natural environment in the park, and to make it an even more beautiful place for children and their families to enjoy together. The new playpark has been very popular since it opened in March, and the living willow wigwam in particular has been the focus of much admiration.”

Wales & West Utilities’ work in the Ringmore Road area was essential to keep the gas flowing safely and reliably to local homes and businesses, keeping people warm for generations.

Wales & West Utilities, the gas emergency and pipeline service, brings energy to 7.5m people across the south west of England and Wales. If you smell gas, or suspect the presence of carbon monoxide, call them on 0800 111 999 straight away, and engineers will be there to help any time of day or night.