Businesses across the region rolled up their sleeves this summer to support the River Dee Trust, tackling invasive plants, clearing litter and helping protect our local rivers for wildlife and future generations.
One of the Trust’s key summer activities is removing Himalayan balsam. Although attractive, this highly invasive plant spreads rapidly along riverbanks, outcompeting native vegetation and threatening the health of river ecosystems.
Teams from Ithaca Energy, BP, Northwood Northeast, SSEN and M Group joined Trust staff to tackle extensive areas of balsam along the main river channels and their tributaries.
Keilidh Ewan, Education and Outreach Officer at the River Dee Trust, explains why the work is so important: “Himalayan balsam crowds out native plant species and has a shallow root system provides little stability to riverbanks, leaving them more vulnerable to damage and erosion during floods.
“The plant spreads rapidly through explosive seed capsules, so we have a relatively short window in summer to remove it before the seeds mature.”
Corporate volunteering continues throughout the year. In September, a team from River Dee Guardian Ithaca Energy removed redundant tree tubes from the banks of the River Urie, while Baker Hughes volunteers collected litter along the River Don, helping reduce plastic pollution and keep local waterways cleaner.
Claire Fleming, Engagement Officer at the River Dee Trust, said: “It’s always a pleasure to work alongside our corporate supporters. Their time, enthusiasm and practical efforts make a real difference to the health of our rivers.
“Whether tackling invasive plants, removing litter or supporting habitat restoration, these partnerships help us address some of the biggest challenges facing our freshwater environment. They also give businesses a meaningful way to contribute to conservation in the communities where they live and work.
“As we move into the cooler months, we’ll be welcoming corporate volunteers back to the upper catchment to plant trees through our award-winning One Million Trees campaign. Teams are also scheduled to help build natural debris dams, small structures made from locally sourced materials that slow water flow, retain water and support healthier river systems.
“We offer some fantastic volunteering opportunities in truly beautiful locations, giving teams the chance to get outdoors, work together and see the difference they can make first-hand.”
From restoring riverbanks to planting trees, corporate volunteering offers organisations a rewarding way to support local conservation, strengthen team connections and make a tangible difference to the natural environment on their doorstep.
Could your organisation help protect the Rivers Dee and Don?
Find out how your business can become a River Dee Guardian and support ambitious conservation work across our river catchments.
Contact Claire Fleming at claire@riverdee.org to explore volunteering opportunities for your team.