Keeping Kemsley Tidy

Three dedicated employees from Kemsley Mill initiated and set up a project as part of the DS Smith partnership with the Keep Britain Tidy charity.

The Saxon Shore Way, a popular area for walkers, which runs adjacent to the Mill along the Swale coastline was identified as a run-down area requiring improvement.

With the assistance of three local companies (Hollister Engineering Services, HML and FGS) old grindstones from the Mill were cleaned and transported to the area to make a barrier preventing vehicles accessing the footpath.  On 20 and 21st August, 29 Kemsley employees volunteered their time to clear litter and tidy the site.   In addition to the grindstones which were painted white with new plants potted inside, a seating area was also provided to allow passers-by an opportunity to rest their legs and admire the beautiful scenery.

This project has been a great success not only due to the very positive praise received from Swale Borough Council who wrote 'I must say it was brilliantly organised and we were so impressed with how much you have achieved' but also from staff who commented on how good it was to be involved in such a worthwhile cause.  Hopefully, the volunteers efforts will now encourage their colleagues to visit and enjoy this area which is just a short distance from the Mill.

Finally, thanks and recognition must go to all those who volunteered and in particular Mo Heathfield, Gary Seager and Graham Appleby who lead this successful project.