We join forces with Punch Pubs & Co and Biffa to clear Cannock Chase’s woodlands
In our aim to create a world to celebrate, we partnered with sector-leading pub company Punch Pubs & Co and Biffa, the UK leader in sustainable waste management, to take part in a woodland clean at Cannock Chase as part of a joint effort to protect its natural beauty.
Staffordshire County Council manages Cannock Chase Country Park, which is a beautiful area of heathland and wood pasture in the south of the county.
Victoria Wilson, Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for communities and culture, said: “I would like to thank all the volunteers from Punch Pubs & Co, Biffa and Molson Coors for helping to tidy up our stunning woodland in Cannock Chase.
“We have seen a marked increase in visitors during and after the pandemic as residents rediscovered the natural beauty on their doorsteps. Therefore, it is just as important as ever for us to look after Staffordshire’s countryside so we can continue to enjoy it for many years to come.
Punch's community clean initiative hopes to broaden, having inspired many more pubs to get involved, protecting the environment and future generations while reducing waste.”
Ashley Robinson, National Account Manager, said: “Reducing waste is a huge priority for us at Molson Coors but we know we can’t achieve our waste reduction goals by working alone – which is why we’re always keen to foster collaboration among businesses and consumers alike.
“We’re proud to have achieved zero waste to landfill at all our production sites already but through initiatives like the woodland clean we can bring together local businesses and the community to create a sustainable future for everyone and encourage more environmentally friendly behaviour in the future."
Punch Pubs’ Strategic Corporate Affairs & ESG Lead, Jon Dale, who helped organise the clean, said: "I'm incredibly proud of the team of volunteers and community members, who have shown up today to demonstrate their commitment to driving change and protecting an area of natural beauty for future generations.
"I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who not only took part but who also worked hard to make this event happen. At Punch, ESG has become an increasing area of focus, and this is a fantastic example of our industry joining forces with communities to protect our three Ps: People, the Planet, and Pubs."
Liam Woods, Corporate Account Manager at Biffa, said: “Looking after the environment is a key part of what we do, whether that's helping homes and businesses recycle more, creating renewable energy from waste or growing our fleet of net zero vehicles.
"We also love to get involved in community clean-up projects like this. Litter not only looks unsightly, but it's also a threat to wildlife and prevents perfectly good materials like plastic and glass from being recycled.”
After the woodland clean, participants gathered at The Hen House pub in Cannock, run by Management Partner, and current Punch Pubs Sustainability Champion, Mike Lenthall. Mike's impressive energy-saving techniques demonstrate his dedication to changing how his pub operates to help preserve the planet. He is also a leading member of the business’ Pub Heroes working group; a forum of Publicans and MPs who come together with different people from across the Punch business to explore their collective thoughts and ideas on their commitment to Doing Well, by Doing Good and building stronger relationships as they go.
Mike's enthusiasm in this space heavily resonates with that of Punch, Molson Coors Beverage Company, and Biffa Waste Management Company, who work to reduce carbon emissions and protect the environment for future generations.