A West Midlands waste operator, Axil Integrated Services Ltd, has donated £100,000 to the Purple Horizons Nature Recovery Project as part of an Enforcement Undertaking with the Environment Agency. This follows a fire at their Cannock site in September 2022, during which contaminated water from fire suppression efforts was contained and safely removed from the site.
The donation will support the Wildlife Trust for Birmingham and the Black Country’s Purple Horizons Nature Recovery Project. This initiative aims to restore and connect key habitats, creating a 12,000-hectare nature-rich corridor between Cannock Chase Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and Sutton Park National Nature Reserve (NNR). The project is designed to benefit local wildlife, including reptiles, birds, and pollinators.
The Environment Agency praised Axil Integrated Services Ltd for their cooperation in the aftermath of the incident. The company submitted a full incident report and carried out repair work within two days of the fire. In recognition of their positive response and contribution to environmental restoration, the Environment Agency has opted not to pursue prosecution.
Graham Aberley, the lead investigator for the Environment Agency, said, “Enforcement Undertakings allow polluters to positively address and restore the harm caused to the environment and prevent repeat incidents.” He emphasized that this approach can help avoid lengthy court cases while still ensuring that companies improve their practices.
Chloe Hardman, project manager for the Purple Horizons Nature Recovery Project at Natural England, welcomed the funding, saying, “It will make a real difference to our partners at wildlife charities and local councils, who are working to create a healthier environment for nature and people.
The Purple Horizons project is one of 12 nature recovery initiatives across England, with specific plans for the new funding to be announced soon. The project seeks to enhance biodiversity and create a sustainable future for both wildlife and local communities.
For more information on the Purple Horizons project, visit BBC Wildlife Trust – Purple Horizons.
Anyone who witnesses environmental issues is encouraged to report them to the Environment Agency’s 24-hour Incident Hotline on 0800 80 70 60.
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