British Land, Berkeley, and Multiplex team up to clean up Hyde Park and the Grand Union Canal

Marble Arch London BID assembled volunteers from some of London’s biggest businesses to celebrate the Great British Spring Clean.

As part of its ongoing commitment to the local community, Marble Arch London BID, brought its members together to participate in two in-person events. Working together the 22 volunteers helped to clear cow parsley from Hyde Park’s meadows and remove plastic waste and debris from the Grand Union Canal.

Volunteers from businesses including British Land, Berkeley, Hunter Boots and GIC ventured out on GoBoats, canoes and paddleboards to clean up the canal.

Meanwhile, employees from Multiplex, Hunter Boots and British Land worked with The Royal Parks in Hyde Park to pull up cow parsley, enabling other flower species to grow which help bees, butterflies, and other insects to thrive.

The Great British Spring Clean 2021 which saw volunteers across the UK make 1.15 million miles of British outdoor spaces cleaner and greener, was also a great opportunity for colleagues to reunite after over a year of home working.

The event marked the start of Marble Arch London BID’s in-person community events after many months of virtual volunteering throughout the pandemic. Through its Community Programme, the BID matches volunteers with charities and schools to undertake practical challenges such as decorating or gardening, as well as skill sharing.

Kay Buxton, Chief Executive, Marble Arch London BID, comments: “We are a champion for business and community and our goal is to unite the two to create a welcoming and hospitable environment for those who live, work and visit our district. The Great British Spring Clean is a regular fixture in our calendar and we would like to thank all the volunteers for getting their boots on to support an event which is crucial to maintaining our beautiful outdoor spaces. These green spaces have become a vital escape for many Londoners who have found themselves feeling isolated at home during the pandemic, and it was fantastic to see so many colleagues from across our member businesses reunite for the first time at this event. As restrictions ease, we look forward to hosting more in-person community events which will bring our members together to support the local area.”

During the pandemic, the BID’s community programme also helped businesses to channel donations of surplus food, furniture, IT and office equipment, clothes, and homeware to local charities and food banks.