Lucky youngsters from the Southwick and North Bradley Beavers were recently given a unique tour of the Materials Recycling Facility (MRF) at Sands Farm in Calne.

Henry Newbery, Recycling Team Manager, Hills Waste treated the group to a special demonstration of the waste sorting process.

The troupe were also shown around the plant while it was offline over a weekend to learn more about the importance of recycling waste correctly.

Henry Newbery, Recycling Team Manager, Hills Waste said: “It is lovely to be able to educate the next generation about the importance of reducing, reusing and recycling their waste through effective waste management.”

They’ve been great partners for 25 years, and when it comes to The Hills Group and Cotswold Lakes Trust, it doesn’t seem a day too long.

The partnership has helped protect Kingfishers, Otters, Water Voles and many more species in the Cotswold Water Park. And by working together on everything from reed beds to fossil hunts and footpaths, they have helped to create one of the most stunning wetland landscapes in the UK.

Now The Hills Group and Cotswold Lakes Trust are celebrating their partnership and a commitment to build on their achievements in the Cotswold Water Park, restoring and creating an exceptional leisure amenity and haven for wildlife.

Group Director of Hills Quarry Products, Peter Andrew wouldn’t have it any other way.

“The Hills Group has been operating in the Cotswold Water Park for more than 100 years and has created many of the lakes and wonderful habitats you see today. We are proud to support Cotswold Lakes Trust and all they do for wildlife and the environment. They’re a great charity and we work extremely well together,” he said.

The Cotswold Water Park is a network of more than 180 lakes across 42 square miles which emerged from decades of intensive gravel extraction and restoration. It is now a unique wetland landscape.

The lakes are home to an amazing variety of wildlife and a host of leisure activities for its 20,000 residents and one million annual visitors. In 2021, it was recognised nationally as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Cotswold Lakes Trust’s Executive Chairman Paul Hazel praised Hills for the pivotal role the company has played in creating the Cotswold Water Park since its first gravel pit was dug a century ago.

“Their long-term commitment to restoration has played a fundamental role in creating this fantastic leisure area and a haven for wildlife,” he said.

“Their generosity in providing more than £1.3m through the Landfill Communities Fund has enabled the Trust to help preserve the amazing biodiversity of habitats and species in the Cotswold Water Park and to carry out projects ranging from the creation of nature reserves to improving public access and managing country parks.”

Based in Down Ampney, Cotswold Lakes Trust is governed by a Board of Trustees (all volunteers) who oversee the work of a team of seven staff, assisted by loyal volunteers. It receives no core funding from central or local government and relies heavily on donations.

Employees at Hills have donated Easter treats to put a smile on the faces of disadvantaged youngsters across Swindon.

Sweet treats were presented to Johanna Bryant, Project Director for STEP Swindon by the Hills’ employee charity committee.

STEP Swindon provides a safe, supportive environment for children and young people who are experiencing social isolation.

Johanna Bryant, Project Director, STEP Swindon said: “Times are so hard at the moment for many of the families we work with and Easter eggs are a luxury that most of them cannot afford. It is wonderful to be able to treat the children and young people with these generous gifts.”

A spokesperson for Hills said: “Employees have been very generous with their donations and we are proud to be able to support this marvellous cause. We hope that all the recipients will enjoy their Easter treats.”

Hills Quarry Products has strengthened its presence in the ready-mixed concrete market with the opening of its seventh concrete plant located at Unit 2, Kendrick Trading Estate, Galton Way, Swindon.

Peter Andrew, Group Director said: “Our new site at Swindon will greatly enhance the geographical area in which Hills Quarry Products operates and also expand the level of service we can provide to our customers with a mini-mix service now available from all our concrete plants.”

The site is registered with the Quality Scheme for Ready-Mixed Concrete (QSRMC) and will provide high-quality concrete and screed to both small and large customers with product available for collection or delivery using 4m³, 6m³ and 8m³ sized vehicles.

The plant will also offer 24-hour, seven day a week opening on request.

This year’s Move to Improve winner has been announced by The Hills Group.

Michael Jones, MRF Supervisor, Hills Waste Solutions, scooped the £500 top prize after his innovative suggestion – an inexpensive road sweeping system that could be added to existing vehicles – was voted as the winning idea.

Michael was one of six finalists to be shortlisted for best improvement in the business.

The ‘Move to Improve’ innovation scheme was introduced across Hills in 2011. It encourages employees to put forward suggestions to improve the business in the following key areas: waste reduction, health and safety, financial savings, reduced energy consumption, customer service, productivity, and product quality.

Mike Hill, Chief Executive of The Hills Group said: “The Move to Improve scheme has been a great success and shows that our employees welcome the opportunity to engage with us and suggest improvements for our business. Since its inception the scheme has generated hundreds of ideas underpinned by Hills’ core values, many of which have been implemented in the company.”

Hills Homes Developments has scooped the ‘Best high volume new housing development’ regional award for the West of England in the LABC Building Excellence Awards 2022.

Hills’ Whitelands housing development in Tetbury, Gloucestershire, will now go forward to the National Finals against 11 other regional finalists, being held in London on 27 January 2023.

Whitelands is situated in the desirable Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and the 39 traditionally built houses, presented in seven different styles, were constructed using a mixture of materials including natural Cotswold stone, taking inspiration from and being sympathetic to the surroundings.

Nick King, Group Director Hills Homes, said: “We are absolutely delighted to have won this West of England award, and are really looking forward to the finals next year. Our team worked tirelessly to showcase the best of our abilities and this development is testament to their commitment and the quality of the build.”

Cotswold Lakes Trust’s new play area went down a storm when the gate was officially opened at Neigh Bridge Country Park in Somerford Keynes.

After a speedy ribbon-cutting ceremony, local children clambered all over the equipment. Even Gloucestershire County Councillor Lisa Spivey had a go.

“It’s fantastic. We’ve waited so long for something like this,” said Somerford Keynes Parish Councillor Mark Hastie-Oldland.

Executive Chairman of Cotswold Lakes Trust Paul Hazel thanked all those who helped fund the project, especially The Hills Group, along with Gloucestershire County Council Build Back Better Grant and local company, Somerford Consulting. “We’re really proud to have been able to make this project happen,” he said. “It’s a great new facility which was much needed.”

Group Director for Hills Quarry Products, Peter Andrew, cut the opening ribbon along with five-year-old Rose Hastie-Oldland who then made mincemeat of the monkey bars. “Hills have been operating in the Cotswold Water Park area for over 100 years and have created many of the lakes and wonderful habitats you see in this area today. We are proud to support Cotswold Lakes Trust in the projects they undertake to enhance biodiversity and community engagement,” said Mr Andrew.