National Trust staff ‘leap’ at chance to help clean up Bushmills

Giant’s Causeway National Trust staff get Leap Day off work to clean up Bushmills.

National Trust staff have been given time off work so they could volunteer in the local community as part of a nationwide Local Leap. Staff teamed up with the Bushmills Community forum to help spring clean Bushmills on 29 February.

“It was great for staff to get the chance to help out in the local community,” says Community Engagement Officer Art Ward.

“Together with the Bushmills Community Forum, our team of 12 cleared 35 bags of rubbish from across Bushmills. The village is the gateway to the Giant’s Causeway, so we want to show it at its best.”

National Trust also gave two of the Causeway Hotel staff the day off to carry out volunteering work at Benvardin Kennel.

The ‘Local Leap’ celebrates the importance of volunteering as the Trust, which itself enjoys the support of more than 2, 000 volunteers across Northern Ireland, continues to build links with its local communities.

In Castlerock, Toby Edwards and the Downhill Estate team helped clear and tidy up derelict buildings in the village in preparation for summer plantings.

Fiona Reynolds, Director-General of the National Trust who volunteered with her local Riding for the Disabled stables, explained: “The Trust knows first-hand how important volunteering is. We simply couldn’t function without our volunteers.’

Billy Reid, Interim Director for National Trust Northern Ireland added:

“Leap Day is the perfect time to make a difference and to give something back to your local community. There’s no better way to do this than by volunteering and in these uncertain times the need is greater than ever. The Trust’s leap day builds on a proud history of volunteering and it’s great to give something back to our local communities by supporting a number of good causes.”