Author: Freya Hesketh
Staff from Bowker MINI have taken part in a Corporate Tree Planting Day with the Ribble Rivers Trust, helping to enhance local woodlands and improve river catchments in Lancashire.
The event took place at Salesbury Hall, Dinkley, near Ribchester, where the Bowker MINI team joined conservation experts to plant native tree species. The initiative is part of Bowker MINI’s ongoing partnership with the Ribble Rivers Trust, which focuses on improving biodiversity and supporting local environmental projects.
Chris Eccles, for Bowker MINI, said: “It’s always great to get involved with the Ribble Rivers Trust and do something positive for the local environment. Tree planting is a fantastic way for our team to come together, get stuck in, and make a real difference to our region’s green spaces.”
Bowker MINI has worked with the Ribble Rivers Trust for over three years, supporting conservation efforts through tree planting, river clean-ups, and woodland maintenance.
Their involvement is part of MINI UK’s Big Love campaign, encouraging retailers to engage with their local communities and support environmental sustainability.
Jack Spees, CEO of the Ribble Rivers Trust, said: “The support from Bowker MINI has been invaluable in helping us restore natural habitats and improve water quality in the Ribble catchment. Their continued involvement makes a real impact, and we’re grateful for their enthusiasm and commitment to conservation.”
Bowker MINI’s partnership with the Ribble Rivers Trust will continue with further conservation activities planned throughout the year. More information on volunteering opportunities is available at ribbletrust.org.uk/volunteer.
With clean surfaces, a fully automatic soft top roof and a minimalist yet innovative interior, the new MINI Cooper Convertible offers drivers an added dose of spontaneity, with the ability to drop the roof in seconds.
With its iconic round headlights, newly designed front grille and circular LED headlights, the body of the MINI Cooper Convertible remains unmistakable.
The fully automatic soft top roof, with its extremely quiet drive, can be fully opened in just 18 seconds while travelling at up to 19mph. The roof can also be opened to just 40cm, providing a sunroof, while the full roof closes in just 15 seconds at the touch of a button.
When the soft top is open, the luggage compartment volume is 160 litres, while when the soft top is closed this expands to 215 litres. To assist with loading, the tailgate opens downwards and the wind deflector behind the driver and passenger seats reduces wind noise and unwanted air turbulence when driving.
The MINI Cooper Convertible is available in three trims: Classic, Exclusive and Sport, with each trim offering a choice of interior and exterior options.
The interior design focuses on fewer components, clever design, and high-quality workmanship. Three key elements structure the cockpit: a sporty steering wheel, the central OLED display, and the newly designed toggle switch bar.
The textile surfaces in the cockpit are based on a newly developed knitted material which is made from recycled polyester, while the optional Head-Up Display projects all relevant information into the drivers’ field of vision.
Taking centre stage in the interior is the 240mm circular OLED display in high-quality glass. It’s the perfect home for the instrument cluster, MINI Connected onboard infotainment and assistance hub. And it channels the power of the entire MINI into a superb, intuitive command system.
Seven MINI Experience Modes can be selected to change the interior ambience and colour scheme – even with the top down.
A spoken “Hey MINI!” activates the first fully-fledged voice assistant. Navigation, telephony, entertainment, and numerous vehicle functions can be controlled simply and conveniently by speaking the relevant command to either a stylised MINI or the character “Spike”.
Please contact your local Bowker Centre for more information or to book your test drive*.
*Test drive subject to applicant status and availability.
February edition.
Welcome to Pit Stop. Your one-stop destination for all the latest news, reviews, and exclusives within the world of Porsche, BMW, MINI & BMW Motorrad.
Apprentice Stories: Bowker Apprentice Harry Swan Gears Up for British Mini Bike Championship
Bowker apprentice Harry Swan from Preston will compete in the 2025 British Mini Bike Championship as he prepares for his second season in the national racing series.
16 year-old Harry, a first-year apprentice at Bowker Motorrad in Preston, will race in the Mini Bike 140 class, an entry-level category for aspiring superbike riders. The British Mini Bike Championship, recognised as the UK’s largest series for small-capacity motorcycles, attracts more than 200 riders per event.
Harry Swan said: “I’ve always dreamed of racing in top-level championships like British Superbikes or MotoGP, and this is an important step towards that goal.”
Two technicians at Porsche Centre Bolton have attained Porsche Gold Technician status, the highest level of technical certification offered by the manufacturer.
Paul Dibble and Aaron Poole earned the accolade after completing Porsche’s rigorous certification process, which requires candidates to progress through Bronze and Silver levels before qualifying for Gold.
To be eligible, technicians must also complete advanced courses over two days before undergoing the final assessment at Porsche GB’s headquarters in Reading.
Porsche Centre Bolton continues to support its team in achieving professional milestones while delivering exceptional service to its customers.
Bowker Motor Group Celebrates Record Number of Apprentices in 40-Year History
More than 20 apprentices across the Bowker Motor Group in Blackburn, Bolton and Preston have celebrated the highest total number of apprenticeships in the Lancashire automotive retailer’s four-decade history.
Bowker Motor Group has expanded its apprenticeship programme across multiple roles, including technical, sales, and parts operations.
The milestone celebration coincides with National Apprenticeship Week 2025, running from 10th to 16th February. The week highlights the role of apprenticeships in equipping individuals with essential skills and supporting business growth. The theme, ‘Skills for Life’, underlines the long-term benefits of vocational training for both apprentices and employers.
FOLLOW US!
More than 20 apprentices across the Bowker Motor Group in Blackburn, Bolton and Preston have celebrated the highest total number of apprenticeships in the Lancashire automotive retailer’s four-decade history.
Bowker Motor Group has expanded its apprenticeship programme across multiple roles, including technical, sales, and parts operations.
The milestone celebration coincides with National Apprenticeship Week 2025, running from 10th to 16th February. The week highlights the role of apprenticeships in equipping individuals with essential skills and supporting business growth. The theme, ‘Skills for Life’, underlines the long-term benefits of vocational training for both apprentices and employers.
Bowker Motor Group’s BMW service manager, Stewart Rose, who himself started as an apprentice over 30 years ago, said: “We’re proud to invest in the next generation of automotive professionals. Apprenticeships offer young people an invaluable opportunity to gain hands-on experience while earning qualifications, and it’s great to see so many apprentices thriving across our business.”
The Bowker name has been associated with transportation since 1919, expanding into automotive retail in 1984. Today, the company operates seven dealerships, including the recently acquired Porsche Centre Bolton. The growing apprenticeship programme aligns with Bowker’s ongoing expansion and investment in its workforce.
Apprentices across Bowker Motor Group are training in various roles, including technical, sales, and parts operations. Many progress into permanent positions within the company, contributing to its continued growth and service standards.
The apprenticeships represent a collaboration between Bowker Motor Group, national automotive bodies, and local schools and colleges, including the BMW Training Academy.
Alfie Ball, a Parts apprentice at Bowker BMW in Preston, said: “The apprenticeship has been a brilliant experience so far. Learning on the job with a supportive team has really helped me grow in confidence, and I’m excited about the opportunities ahead.”
Bowker Motor Group’s apprenticeship initiative reflects wider industry efforts to address skills shortages and attract new talent. As part of National Apprenticeship Week, the dealership will showcase success stories from its apprentices across its business.
Bowker apprentice Harry Swan from Preston will compete in the 2025 British Mini Bike Championship as he prepares for his second season in the national racing series.
16 year-old Harry, a first-year apprentice at Bowker Motorrad in Preston, will race in the Mini Bike 140 class, an entry-level category for aspiring superbike riders. The British Mini Bike Championship, recognised as the UK’s largest series for small-capacity motorcycles, attracts more than 200 riders per event.
Harry Swan said: “I’ve always dreamed of racing in top-level championships like British Superbikes or MotoGP, and this is an important step towards that goal. Competing in the British Mini Bike Championship has given me incredible experience, and I’m excited to see what this season brings.”
Bowker is sharing Harry’s story to coincide with National Apprenticeship Week, which celebrates the contribution of apprentices across the UK. Swan’s journey highlights how apprenticeships can support career ambitions beyond the workplace, providing opportunities for skill development in a variety of fields.
The British Mini Bike Championship, run by riders for riders, continues to grow, offering an accessible route into motorsport. Many professional superbike racers have started their careers in the series before progressing to higher-level competitions.
For Bowker Motorrad, Richard Rawlings said: “Harry’s dedication both on and off the track is inspiring. His apprenticeship gives him valuable skills in the motor trade, while his racing experience teaches discipline and determination—qualities that will serve him well in any career path.”
The 2025 British Mini Bike Championship season is set to begin in the coming weeks, with Swan preparing for a competitive campaign as he builds towards his long-term racing ambitions.
Harry’s participation is supported by Photonic Lighting, a company backing his racing ambitions for the upcoming season. The financial backing helps cover the costs associated with competing at a national level, allowing Swan to continue developing his skills on the track while balancing his apprenticeship at Bowker.
January edition.
Welcome to Pit Stop. Your one-stop destination for all the latest news, reviews, and exclusives within the world of Porsche, BMW, MINI & BMW Motorrad.
CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF BOWKER MOTOR GROUP.
Forty years in business is celebrated in style with another transformative chapter in the Bowker family’s automotive history
The Bowker name has been synonymous with prestige, quality and exceptional customer service in the Ribble Valley and beyond since William Henry Bowker made his first foray into the road transport industry in 1919.
As perhaps the most trusted local dealer group with a long-standing reputation for excellence, Bowker is known for offering buyers a premium selection of new and used vehicles, with state-of-the-art Aftersales Centres for BMW, MINI and more recently, BMW Motorrad and of course, Porsche.
“Even more riding fun – that was our goal when revising the BMW R 18 and R 18 Classic. We have refined the design style, added numerous improvements in terms of detail and comfort and made the R 18 even more fun to ride with the 18-inch rear wheel. In addition to new finishes and equipment, the BMW R 18 Roctane, R 18 B and R 18 Transcontinental have also undergone a technical revision to bring the entire BMW R 18 range into line with the EU 5+ standard.” Markus Lederer, Head of Boxer Series
Introducing the 2025 R 18 models which feature updates to design, comfort and technology – ensuring compliance with the Euro 5+ standard.
Bowker BMW Sales Executive Prepares for 100km Sahara Trek to Support Breast Cancer Charity
A Bowker BMW Car Sales Executive from Broughton is gearing up for a 100km trek across the Sahara Desert in Morocco in November 2025 to raise funds for CoppaFeel!, a breast cancer awareness charity.
Alison Prowse, who overcame stage 3 breast cancer after her diagnosis in 2020, is undertaking the challenge to mark the five-year anniversary of her diagnosis. The trek involves five days of walking through Morocco’s deserts, valleys, and gorges, culminating in camping under the stars with fellow participants.
Alison hopes to raise £3,000 for CoppaFeel! to support its mission of encouraging early detection of breast cancer in young people.
FOLLOW US!
December edition.
Welcome to Pit Stop. Your one-stop destination for all the latest news, reviews, and exclusives within the world of Porsche, BMW, MINI & BMW Motorrad.
Bowker MINI Team Completes 400-Mile Journey in Electric MINI Aceman
The Bowker MINI team has successfully completed a 400-mile round trip from Blackburn to the MINI Plant Oxford in the all-electric MINI Aceman, showcasing the vehicle’s range and performance.
The journey, covering approximately 200 miles each way, was undertaken to explore the production facilities of the MINI brand. The team tested the Aceman’s capabilities over the long-distance trip, noting its performance and comfort during the drive.
The Bowker MINI team included Daniel Gibson, Harrison Thomas and Freya Hesketh.
Bowker BMW and MINI in Blackburn have hosted a ‘Gifting Tree’ for the second consecutive year.
The ‘Gifting Tree’ appeal supports The Wish Centre, a local refuge for women and children affected by domestic abuse.
Staff and customers at Bowker BMW and MINI gathered and donated gifts for residents of The Wish Centre, with a tree set up in the main reception area adorned with tags that contain age, gender, and size information for gift recipients. The initiative provides gifts for individuals who have faced hardship and are starting new lives away from difficult circumstances.
BMW Group Plant Regensburg sets new record, with 100,000 fully-electric vehicles produced in 2024
BMW Group Plant Regensburg has achieved another major milestone: As projected, the threshold of 100,000 fully-electric vehicles produced since the start of the year was reached today.
The milestone vehicle, which came off the assembly line in Regensburg today, watched by Milan Nedeljković, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Production, is a BMW iX1. The vehicle, finished in Blue Bay Lagoon metallic, will be shipped to overseas, to the island of La Réunion.
The plant has produced this successful premium compact model for customers worldwide since November 2022.
FOLLOW US!
*Test drive subject to applicant status and availability.
^Terms and conditions apply.
†MINI Cooper Electric Energy Consumption (WLTP combined): 4.2-4.5 miles / kWh; CO2 Emissions: 0 g/km; Electric Range: 182-249 miles.
November edition.
Welcome to Pit Stop. Your one-stop destination for all the latest news, reviews, and exclusives within the world of Porsche, BMW, MINI & BMW Motorrad.
Bowker Motor Group Acquires Porsche Centre Bolton
Lancashire-based Bowker Motor Group has expanded its prestige automotive franchise portfolio by acquiring Porsche Centre Bolton from Lithia Motors Group UK.
Porsche Centre Bolton joins Porsche Centre Preston in Bowker Motor Group’s portfolio of eight dealerships which also includes franchises of BMW, MINI, BMW Motorrad and INEOS Automotive.
The Centre will now operate under the Bowker Motor Group, a Lancashire family-run business known for its strong regional presence. The acquisition comes in the year Bowker Motor Group celebrates its 40th anniversary.
Bowker MINI Blackburn and Preston Showcase New All-Electric MINI Aceman
Bowker MINI dealerships in Blackburn and Preston hosted an exclusive launch event on Thursday, November 7, offering customers an early look at the new all-electric MINI Aceman.
The event, which ran from 6:00pm to 8:00pm, featured live music, a complimentary bar, and pizzas from Doughboys, alongside games and entertainment.
Attendees were among the first to explore the new MINI Aceman, a compact crossover with room for five passengers and enhanced luggage space.Chris Eccles for Bowker MINI said: “The new all-electric MINI Aceman is a strong character with its young personality within the new MINI family. It’s the perfect everyday companion for those who value individuality in urban areas.”
Bowker MINI Staff Join Ribble Rivers Trust for Woodland Maintenance
Bowker MINI employees have completed a volunteer day with the Ribble Rivers Trust, assisting in woodland maintenance at Blue Slate Farm, Samlesbury.
The project, located just off the M6 at Junction 31, involved staff from Bowker MINI’s Blackburn and Preston centres. Inspired by MINI UK Big Love campaign, the team carried out tasks such as inspecting tree health, removing competing plants from tree guards, straightening tree stakes, and marking trees needing replacement.
Chris Eccles, for Bowker MINI, said: “It was great to return to Blue Slate Farm, where we had planted trees a couple of years ago. Seeing how they’ve grown and being part of their continued care was really rewarding for us.”
More than 40 Motorcyclists from across Lancashire have attended a free safety event at Bowker Motorrad in Preston, hosted in partnership with Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, as part of the national “Biker Down” initiative.
The three-hour event at Bowker Motorrad in Preston provided riders with practical advice on accident response and collision prevention. Attendees of all experience levels gained insights from safety professionals and refreshed their emergency response skills.
FOLLOW US!
*Test drive subject to applicant status and availability.
^Terms and conditions apply.
†MINI Cooper Electric Energy Consumption (WLTP combined): 4.2-4.5 miles / kWh; CO2 Emissions: 0 g/km; Electric Range: 182-249 miles.
A Bowker BMW Car Sales Executive from Broughton is gearing up for a 100km trek across the Sahara Desert in Morocco in November 2025 to raise funds for CoppaFeel!, a breast cancer awareness charity.
Alison Prowse, who overcame stage 3 breast cancer after her diagnosis in 2020, is undertaking the challenge to mark the five-year anniversary of her diagnosis. The trek involves five days of walking through Morocco’s deserts, valleys, and gorges, culminating in camping under the stars with fellow participants.
Alison hopes to raise £3,000 for CoppaFeel! to support its mission of encouraging early detection of breast cancer in young people.
Alison said: “2020 was such a tough year for me, but I made it through thanks to so many people’s support. This trek is my way of giving back. With it coinciding with the five years since my diagnosis, it will also be an important milestone for me personally. I’ll be trekking across the desert and sleeping in the open. It will be tough. But I am determined to make it.”
The Sahara Desert trek challenges participants to cover 100km over five days, trekking up to eight hours daily in temperatures exceeding 30°C. The itinerary includes climbing Djebel Zereg (known for its distinctive reddish-black volcanic rock), traversing the Tikertouachene River, and camping in the heart of Morocco’s awe-inspiring desert landscapes.
CoppaFeel! is the UK’s only breast cancer awareness charity targeting young people. It educates 18 to 24-year-olds on the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, empowering them to seek medical advice early. The charity highlights that early detection significantly improves treatment success rates and survival outcomes.
Alison added: “CoppaFeel! is a cause close to my heart because early detection saved my life. Every penny raised will help educate more young people and fund their vital work. It would mean the world if people could donate even the price of a coffee to help me reach my target.”
To donate to Alison’s campaign and support CoppaFeel!’s life-saving mission, visit her fundraising page here.
Bowker BMW and MINI in Blackburn have hosted a ‘Gifting Tree’ for the second consecutive year.
The ‘Gifting Tree’ appeal supports The Wish Centre, a local refuge for women and children affected by domestic abuse.
Staff and customers at Bowker BMW and MINI gathered and donated gifts for residents of The Wish Centre, with a tree set up in the main reception area adorned with tags that contain age, gender, and size information for gift recipients. The initiative provides gifts for individuals who have faced hardship and are starting new lives away from difficult circumstances.
Chris Eccles, Bowker BMW and MINI managing director, said: “We received a lot of support for the Gifting Tree last year, so to enjoy this support again is great. We know this is a difficult time of year for families in the refuge, so we’re grateful for any gesture from customers and staff that can help brighten their holidays.”
The Wish Centre offers essential services for individuals affected by domestic abuse, including emergency accommodation, counselling, and advocacy. The Gifting Tree is part of Bowker’s commitment to supporting these efforts by making the festive season feel more hopeful for those affected.
Rebekah Wilson from The Wish Centre said: “Thank you so much to Bowker BMW and MINI. The Gifting Tree reminds residents that they aren’t alone. Simple gifts mean a lot to children and families who have left everything behind, and it really does make a difference knowing people care. We are grateful for all the support from businesses just like Bowker at this time of year.”
The Bowker MINI team has successfully completed a 400-mile round trip from Blackburn to the MINI Plant Oxford in the all-electric MINI Aceman, showcasing the vehicle’s range and performance.
The journey, covering approximately 200 miles each way, was undertaken to explore the production facilities of the MINI brand. The team tested the Aceman’s capabilities over the long-distance trip, noting its performance and comfort during the drive.
The Bowker MINI team included Daniel Gibson, Harrison Thomas and Freya Hesketh.
Daniel Gibson, brand manager at Bowker MINI in Blackburn, said: “Driving the Aceman on this trip was a real eye-opener. It showed us just how capable the car is for both city driving and longer journeys, and it was a great experience to see where MINI magic is made.”
The MINI Aceman, the brand’s smallest electric SUV, is positioned between the MINI Cooper and MINI Countryman in terms of size and price. It offers a modern, minimalist design with a spacious interior and a focus on sustainability. Available in two variants, the Aceman E provides a range of up to 192 miles (WLTP), while the Aceman SE extends the range to 252 miles.
The trip highlighted the growing practicality of electric vehicles for long-distance travel, reflecting MINI’s commitment to combining eco-conscious technology with an engaging driving experience.
The Bowker MINI team’s journey to Oxford was rewarded with an exclusive tour of the MINI Plant, offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at the production process of the iconic vehicles. Spanning from the initial stages of stamping metal sheets to the final assembly, the tour provided a comprehensive insight into the craftsmanship and technology that define MINI.
Daniel added: “The team loved the tour of the plant. It’s an immersive experience and gave the team a deeper appreciation of the innovation and attention to detail in bringing each MINI to life. This whole journey was a great opportunity to test the Aceman in real-world conditions and discover more about how it is made.”
The MINI Aceman is now available for test drives at Bowker MINI. Interested customers can book a test drive online or visit the dealership to learn more.
More than 40 Motorcyclists from across Lancashire have attended a free safety event at Bowker Motorrad in Preston, hosted in partnership with Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, as part of the national “Biker Down” initiative.
The three-hour event at Bowker Motorrad in Preston provided riders with practical advice on accident response and collision prevention. Attendees of all experience levels gained insights from safety professionals and refreshed their emergency response skills.
John Nichol, Head of Business at Bowker Motorrad, said: “It was brilliant to see so many motorcyclists join us for the Biker Down event. Learning how to respond in an accident or reduce risks on the road is invaluable, and I hope everyone left feeling more confident and informed.”
This is the fifth time Bowker Motorrad has hosted the Biker Down event, which has drawn a total of over 500 participants since its launch. In addition to expert-led sessions, attendees enjoyed complimentary hotpot and refreshments as part of the evening.
Motorcycle safety remains a pressing concern, with recent statistics showing that while motorcycles account for only 1% of road traffic, they were involved in 20% of road fatalities in 2020. Events like Biker Down aim to address this disparity by equipping riders with life-saving skills and knowledge.
Clare Burscough, from Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “The turnout at Biker Down was fantastic, and it was great to see so many riders eager to improve their safety knowledge. These sessions can make a real difference in emergencies, and we’re grateful to Bowker Motorrad for supporting this important initiative.”
Bowker Motorrad has pledged to continue hosting community-focused events like Biker Down, promoting road safety and supporting the local motorcycling community. For more information about future events, visit Bowker Motorrad’s website or social media channels.
Bowker MINI dealerships in Blackburn and Preston hosted an exclusive launch event on Thursday, November 7, offering customers an early look at the new all-electric MINI Aceman.
The event, which ran from 6:00pm to 8:00pm, featured live music, a complimentary bar, and pizzas from Doughboys, alongside games and entertainment.
Attendees were among the first to explore the new MINI Aceman, a compact crossover with room for five passengers and enhanced luggage space.
Chris Eccles for Bowker MINI said: “The new all-electric MINI Aceman is a strong character with its young personality within the new MINI family. It’s the perfect everyday companion for those who value individuality in urban areas.”
The MINI Aceman marked the brand’s first crossover model in the premium small car segment, combining a modern all-electric drive with compact dimensions and a spacious interior.
With a maximum range of up to 252 miles, the vehicle was suited to both city and long-distance travel, aiming to meet the growing demand for locally emission-free mobility.
Chris added: “With its distinctive expression and compact design, the Aceman brought a fresh, youthful personality to the MINI line-up. It offered an innovative, immersive digital experience that was fun and intuitive for drivers.”
The event was hailed as a great success, with both the Blackburn and Preston showrooms enjoying strong attendance and positive feedback from attendees.
View the new MINI Aceman here.
A Lancashire motor dealership has renewed its sponsorship of a Preston youth football team’s kit in memory of a dearly missed colleague.
This season, the under-12s team at Springfields FC will wear new shirts, shorts and socks thanks to a renewed sponsorship by Bowker BMW in Preston.
Paul ‘Crowey’ Crowhurst, who passed away in 2021, was a long-serving employee at Bowker BMW and the Chairman of Springfields FC.
Paul had worked at Bowker BMW for over 15 years before his death and was known for his dedication to grassroots football, particularly at Springfields FC.
Jonathan Rogan, Head of Business at Bowker BMW in Preston, said: “Paul is still hugely missed here at Bowker. He was such a passionate member of staff, never more so than when it came to Springfields FC. He was a great coach and selfless Chairman. That’s why we’re proud to continue sponsoring the under-12s team in Paul’s memory. We wish them all the best for the season.”
Springfields’ under-12s play in the Central Lancashire League. Springfields FC is a community club in Preston that offers football coaching starting at age five. Teams compete from under 7s through to adults.
Danielle Gore, Secretary and Treasurer at Springfields FC, said: “Thank you to Bowker BMW for renewing their sponsorship of the under-12s kit. These are young players in the team that Crowey first coached. We’ve created a trophy in his name too.
“We want to always remember how much he gave to the club and continue to inspire more youngsters in his name – just like the hundreds of other players and parents who benefited from his hard work on the committee and as our Chairman.”
Last year, more than 20 Bowker Motor Group employees successfully completed the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge in Crowey’s memory – a challenge he’d completed himself several years earlier. By completing the 24-mile, 5200-feet climb in around 12 hours, Bowker staff raised over £4,000 for St Catherine’s Hospice.
Bowker MINI employees have completed a volunteer day with the Ribble Rivers Trust, assisting in woodland maintenance at Blue Slate Farm, Samlesbury.
The project, located just off the M6 at Junction 31, involved staff from Bowker MINI’s Blackburn and Preston centres. Inspired by MINI UK Big Love campaign, the team carried out tasks such as inspecting tree health, removing competing plants from tree guards, straightening tree stakes, and marking trees needing replacement.
Chris Eccles, for Bowker MINI, said: “It was great to return to Blue Slate Farm, where we had planted trees a couple of years ago. Seeing how they’ve grown and being part of their continued care was really rewarding for us.”
This latest conservation effort follows Bowker MINI’s long-standing collaboration with the Ribble Rivers Trust, which has seen the business and its staff participate in a range of environmental projects.
Jack Spees, CEO of the Ribble Rivers Trust, said: “The continued support from Bowker MINI is invaluable. Having their team back to help with woodland maintenance at Blue Slate Farm makes a real difference to the health of the woodland and the success of our long-term conservation efforts.”
Since partnering with the Ribble Rivers Trust, Bowker MINI has participated in several conservation projects to improve local environments. These have included tackling the invasive Himalayan Balsam at Haggs Wood in Burnley, a litter-picking event along Eaves Brook in Preston, and the recent woodland maintenance at Blue Slate Farm in Samlesbury.
Each project has involved Bowker MINI staff volunteering to support river health, biodiversity, and wildlife habitats as part of the MINI UK Big Love campaign, which promotes community engagement and environmental conservation across the country.
Bowker MINI’s involvement in these initiatives highlights their commitment to preserving local wildlife and improving the natural environment. The Ribble Rivers Trust encourages local volunteers to join their ongoing conservation efforts, with more information available at ribbletrust.org.uk/volunteer.