A donation from a local business has provided new tools and equipment for Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (ARC) volunteers.

Rick Sharp, ARC’s Dorset Volunteer Coordinator, said: “The practical work we do involves the removal of trees and scrub, the control of bracken and other invasive plant species, the creation of basking sites for reptiles and heather-and gorse-management to provide suitable vegetative structure to maintain the unique heathland fauna. This is carried out by our own team of specialist conservation field workers, working alongside our ever-growing list of enthusiastic volunteers.”

ARC is responsible for a number of sites across the UK and has various locations to maintain in Dorset and Hampshire including Christchurch and Verwood.

“We really appreciate all the hard work our volunteers put in and we always try and make sure they have the right tools for the job,” added Rick. “The donation we received from JP Morgan was extremely helpful and enabled us to purchase items such as tree-loppers, saws and some mugs for when the team have a well-earned break!”

JP Morgan employs 4,000 people at its technology and operations centre in Bournemouth and has a strong history of community engagement.