Building a Brighter Future

Building a Brighter Future: idverde in partnership with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) have partnered with HMP Humber to support both wildlife conservation and prisoner rehabilitation. The RSPB, the UK’s largest nature conservation charity, works tirelessly to protect birds and their habitats. HMP Humber, a Category C men’s prison in East Riding of Yorkshire, focuses on rehabilitating Prisoners by providing them with valuable skills.

In this innovative project, prisoners at HMP Humber are repurposing old wood to create habitat boxes, including most recently 38 hedgehog boxes. This initiative not only prevents wood from ending up in landfill but also equips prisoners with woodworking skills that can aid their rehabilitation and future employment prospects.

Hedgehogs in the UK are facing significant threats, with populations declining dramatically in recent years due to habitat loss, road collisions, and other human activities. To address these challenges, the National Hedgehog Conservation Strategy was launched by the British Hedgehog Preservation Society (BHPS) and the People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES). This strategy aims to restore hedgehog habitats, reduce road casualties, and raise public awareness about hedgehog conservation.

The scrap wood used to create the boxes has been donated by Pinewood Structures. Over the last 4 years nearly two tonnes of wood have been collected from their factory in Cambridgeshire to create habitat boxes.

Jenny Atkins, RSPB Agric. Project Manager said; “The RSPB are delighted to be working alongside Pinewood Structures in conjunction with HMP and landowners, to produce bird nestboxes from wood that would otherwise be waste material. This benefits a range of birds including red-listed species”.

Peter Keogh, Sales and Marketing Director at Pinewood Structures commented; “We were first contacted about the opportunity to supply some of our off-cut timber in December 2019 and were very happy to assist. Whilst we look to recycle as much of our waste as we can, it is rewarding to know that the small amount provided to the RSPB through their partnership with idverde is contributing to such a worthwhile cause.”

idverde is running an internal promotion across all its contracts to distribute the 38 hedgehog boxes created so far. These boxes will be given away to various projects across the country, ensuring that hedgehogs in different regions benefit from safe and secure habitats. This initiative not only amplifies the impact of the project but also encourages widespread participation in conservation efforts, fostering a collective commitment to protecting these charming creatures.

Ross Bray, idverde/RSPB Community and Biodiversity Adviser, in the Midlands said “Upcycling waste timber into habitat boxes offers significant environmental and social benefits. This initiative reduces waste, transforming surplus timber into vital shelters that support wildlife and engage diverse audiences. The project is creating opportunities for skill development through the Ministry of Justice’s prisoner education system, and also through community engagement with local groups in urban areas, both of which are mechanisms to highlight the plight of the UK’s endangered birds and mammals”

idverde’s partnership with the RSPB and HMP Humber aligns perfectly with the goals of the National Hedgehog Conservation Strategy. By creating hedgehog boxes from recycled wood, the project not only provides essential shelter for hedgehogs but also contributes to broader conservation efforts. Additionally, it highlights the importance of community involvement in wildlife conservation, demonstrating how collaborative efforts can make a significant impact.

This partnership is a shining example of how conservation initiatives can be integrated with social programs, benefiting both wildlife and communities. Through this project, idverde, the RSPB, and HMP Humber are making a positive difference for hedgehogs while also providing prisoners with meaningful opportunities for personal growth and skill development.

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