PLANS to restore and preserve a mill pool have been given a cash boost.
David Wilson Homes has donated £3,000 to the 1st Solihull Scout Group to remove storm damaged trees and cutting back any overhanging greenery around the water’s edge.
Solihull-based David Wilson Homes’ donation was made as part of The Barratt Foundation, which is designed to support national and local charities, large and small, across the UK to leave a legacy in the communities in which the housebuilder operates.
Chris Dunster, group liaison officer at 1st Solihull Scout Group, said: “We have to raise any money required to maintain our site, which costs approximately £25,000 a year to run.
“We manage this through subs from the children and young people, rental income from letting out our premises to external groups, fundraising events such as the annual bonfire and fireworks evening, and grant money.
“Any projects we need to do to maintain or develop the site require additional funding, which is where grant money and extra fundraisers come in.
“With the grant received from David Wilson Homes and other supporters, we used the money to pay for the tree work required around the mill pool to help preserve the natural habitat.”
The 1st Solihull Scout Group was formed in 1928 with just 30 scouts meeting in Church House on Drury Lane.
In the 1950s, the Scout Master of the time purchased the current site, which includes 18 acres of woodland with an old mill pool and two buildings.
Now, the network is truly thriving and has seven groups with over 160 young people aged from four to 17-years-old.
The scouts offer a programme of activities for all young people, ranging from camping to cooking, craft-making to trekking and first aid training.
Helen Lewis, managing director at David Wilson Homes Mercia, said: “As a leading developer it’s important that we support the community in the areas in which we build new homes.
“1st Solihull Scouts Group is doing vital work in supporting young people in the town to improve practical skills, mental wellbeing and social skills. The volunteers are doing a magnificent job and are vital to the community, so we are very proud to support the group.”
