An enthusiastic group of NI Water employees has teamed up with the National Trust at Robin's Well on the slopes of Belfast's Black Mountain to bolster conservation efforts and help restore the local environment.

Volunteers removed invasive plant species, planted new hedging and carried out a litter pick at the remote site, which offers sweeping views across the city.

The activity formed part of NI Water's long-running 'Cares Challenge' initiative, one of the largest corporate volunteering schemes in Northern Ireland, which has been running for more than a decade.

So far, over 1,850 colleagues have taken part in more than 130 challenges, contributing upwards of 13,000 volunteering hours to community projects across the region. In this latest effort, volunteers from across the company supported the National Trust's conservation work at Robin's Well. Fiachra Tierney, Cares Challenge Volunteer from NI Water, said: "This was a physically demanding but very rewarding challenge in a very scenic location. I enjoyed the opportunity to meet and work with NI Water colleagues from across the business and to help the National Trust with their fantastic local conservation work at Robin's Well. It was very satisfying to see how much work our group got through by the end of the day and knowing we contributed to a very worthwhile cause".

The programme schedules activities for groups throughout Northern Ireland each year in partnership with Business in the Community's NI Cares Programme, which identifies local organisations and charities needing help with hands-on tasks such as gardening and painting.

Rose Kelly, Director of People and Learning, explained: "Our handy helpers have undertaken everything from gardening, painting and maintenance to environmental and fundraising days. It is often the extra support that these groups require to enhance their facilities, improve the lives of their members and operate their centres successfully.

"Volunteering has also proved to be a key part of our health and wellbeing toolkit. Our teams gain so much from the experience, not only by helping the community, but also having the chance to spend time with colleagues from around the business that they might not otherwise have a chance to meet."