AFL Partners with Wilts and Berks Canal Trust to Preserve Environment

17/03/2014

Swindon, United Kingdom and Spartanburg, SC – AFL partnered with the Wilts and Berks Canal Trust, planting more than 150 native British trees and hedgerow stock on a restored section of the canal in the Swindon area. The project was part of AFL’s Take Root program, which aims to plant 12,000 trees by 2015.

The AFL volunteer team group joined Canal Trust’s volunteers to plant the trees, contributing 26 hours of time to enhance the surrounding area alongside the canal at Mouldon Hill, Swindon. The planting of hedgerow is an important element in the restoration of the canal as it creates habitat for wildlife as well as an important boundary and natural safety barrier to the farmlands or communities that the canal passes through.

"The Canal Trust selects the types of tree plants very carefully, making sure that they not only provide the right environment for habitat, but also that they are low growing species that will not grow too tall and overhang the towpath,” said Ray Aldridge, Project Director Central, Wilts and Berks Canal Trust. “We also need to make sure the root systems will not grow into the canal bed in years to come. The efforts of today’s restoration are carefully planned for the continued use of the canal well into the future.”

Throughout the year, AFL hosts Take Root events on its worldwide campuses and with organisations in communities where AFL has facilities. AFL’s extensive Community Outreach Program provides many opportunities to connect with its local communities and encourages associates to volunteer for activities throughout the year. For additional information on AFL and its community initiatives, visit www.AFLglobal.com.

About AFL
AFL provides industry-leading products and services to the electric utility, broadband, communications, enterprise and OEM markets as well as the emerging markets of oil and gas, mining, nuclear, avionics, renewables and transportation. The company’s diverse product portfolio includes fiber optic cable, transmission and substation accessories, outside plant equipment, connectors, fusion splicers, test equipment and training. AFL’s service portfolio includes market-leading positions with the foremost communications companies supporting inside plant central office, EF&I, outside plant, enterprise and wireless areas.

Founded in 1984, AFL is proud to offer engineering expertise, exceptional products and reliable service that help our customers improve their critical and electrical infrastructure. AFL has operations in the U.S., Mexico, Canada, Europe, Asia and the South Pacific. The company is headquartered in Spartanburg, SC and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Fujikura Ltd. of Japan. For more information, visit www.AFLglobal.com.

Contacts
Jo Lawrence
Sales and Marketing Coordinator
AFL
(44) 1793 647269
Joanne.Lawrence@AFLglobal.com

Corie Culp
Community Relations Manager
AFL
864.433.5409
Corie.Culp@AFLglobal.com