January 9th 2008

A Waitrose Partner is working with the Suffolk Wildlife Trust to help conserve Bradfield Woods, one of the UK’s best woodland wildlife sites.  Bob Minter has been seconded to the charity to record biological data at the working wood, where he monitors activity of local wildlife, trees, soil and fauna to help ensure that the area continues to thrive.

Bob, who works on the fish counter at Waitrose’s Bury St Edmonds branch, was awarded his six month secondment by the Golden Jubilee Trust, a charity initiative set up by the John Lewis Partnership to offer practical help to UK-registered charities.

Bob is working one day a week for the Trust, which welcomes visitors at its 60 nature reserves throughout Suffolk and aims to create an environment richer in wildlife. Bob is based primarily at Bradfield Woods, which is a source for local firewood and hazelwood and is home to deer, dormice and badgers amongst other wildlife.

Commenting on his secondment at the Trust, Bob said: “Wildlife and nature conservation is something I’ve been fascinated by since I was a child. It’s a dream come true to be so closely involved in the Suffolk Wildlife Trust, and to know that my work could help make a difference to our local environment for future generations.”

Pete Fordham, warden at Bradfield Woods National Nature Reserve said: “Bob has made a fantastic contribution to the Trust since he started with us last year. His passion for protecting the local landscape and its wildlife is evident in his work and we hope he continues to be involved with the Trust long after his secondment finishes.”

The John Lewis Partnership set up the Golden Jubilee Trust in April 2000 to mark the 50th anniversary of the co-ownership business structure. Partners at any level within John Lewis or Waitrose can apply for a secondment to provide help for a charity, whilst developing new skills which can be used in both their work and personal lives. The Golden Jubilee Trust awards approximately 50 secondments each year on a full or part-time basis for a maximum of six months and takes on the Partners’ full pay to cover the placement. Last year the Trust donated the equivalent of nearly 22,500 hours to charity.

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For further information, please contact:

Laura O’Donnell at the Red Consultancy on 020 7025 6551 or email laura.odonnell@redconsultancy.com

Suffolk Wildlife Trust on 01473 890089

Pete Fordham at Bradfield Woods on 01449 737996