Social Value Manager Alison Cormack volunteers with Barking litter picking charity Roding Rubbish

A commitment to environmental stewardship is a cornerstone of Jerram Falkus’s ethos. We recognise our responsibility to act as custodians of the planet while delivering the highest construction and real estate development standards. This was recently highlighted when our Social Value Manager, Alison Cormack, volunteered with the local resident-led group, Roding Rubbish, for a day of litter picking in Barking.

A Day in Service With Roding Rubbish

Roding Rubbish is a commendable charity organisation dedicated to preserving the beauty of our local communities in Barking. The group recently organised a clean-up day at the Ripple Nature Reserve, a serene natural sanctuary near our Roxwell Road project. Understanding the importance of such initiatives, Alison joined the event, eager to contribute to preserving this treasured local landmark.

Alongside other community members, Alison immersed herself in the day’s tasks. Their findings were diverse, from commonplace litter to parts of an old go-kart and a broken exhaust pipe, reflecting the sheer scale of the littering problem. The day’s efforts resulted in the collection of 55 bags of refuse, alongside larger discarded items like a sofa, tyres, and shopping trolleys, all disposed of by the 25 participating residents.

A Closer Look at Ripple Nature Reserve

The Ripple Nature Reserve is a testament to the resilience of nature. Spanning 10.1 hectares, this once-pulverised fuel ash dumping ground has evolved into a thriving sanctuary for diverse flora and fauna. The soil, made alkaline by the ash – a rarity in London – hosts a diverse ecosystem that includes grey club rush, southern marsh orchids, and wild basil.

This reserve is more than just a green space; it’s a refuge for endangered invertebrate species teetering on the brink of extinction. The birch woodland that forms part of the reserve is a haven for goldfinches, while its scrub and grassland shelter numerous wild rabbits.

The reserve is a testament to the enduring beauty of the urban wilderness, which residents, including Alison, are eager to preserve.

Our Ongoing Commitment to Environmental Stewardship

“I was honoured to assist the residents of Roding Rubbish,” Alison reflects, “The nature reserve boasts a wild urban beauty, and I wholeheartedly support the residents’ desire to protect it. Going forward, Jerram Falkus is committed to further aiding the residents in caring for this site.”

In fact, our pledge to environmental stewardship extends beyond voluntary work. At Jerram Falkus, our mission is to protect and nourish the natural environment around our projects, actively reducing our climate impact. This includes increasing recycling, minimising air, and noise pollution, and promoting local green growth initiatives.

We understand that constructing and developing sustainable real estate means more than just erecting buildings. It’s about fostering a sense of community, contributing to community development, and caring for the communities in which we operate.

Building a Sustainable Future

Our involvement with Roding Rubbish is a tangible manifestation of our commitment to sustainable growth. We seek to integrate sustainable practices into all facets of our operations, from construction sites to corporate policies.

As a family-run business with a rich history spanning 138 years, we recognise our role in shaping the environment for future generations. We remain dedicated to building a sustainable and equitable future for the benefit of all.

Through such environmental initiatives, Jerram Falkus aims to inspire change within the industry, underlining the need for sustainable construction practices that respect and value our shared environment. We are proud to participate in and support events like the clean-up day at the Ripple Nature Reserve and look forward to future collaborations that further this goal.

Back