On Wednesday 8th August, a group of 16 dedicated volunteers, led by the Estates Community Engagement and Countryside Learning officer, Kate Ponting, joined forces with contractor Mark Scofield for an inspiring day of conservation work within the Otter Valley.
Our team of volunteers ventured into the picturesque setting in Colaton Raleigh to combat the intrusive Himalayan balsam species. Kate commented “The site at Otter Farm presents an excellent opportunity for us to tackle, and it is a great location to see the progress that staff and volunteers have already made in controlling the invasive species as well as make a practical difference to new areas”.
This volunteer effort also provided an opportunity for People and Efficiency Coordinator, Sarah Precious, to actively engage with the Estates ‘One Team’ strategy. Reflecting on the experience, Sarah shared “Being part of this volunteer effort was truly rewarding. Witnessing a dedicated team come together to make a positive impact on the environment was incredibly fulfilling”.
The Estates strategy promotes and supports employees in exploring different departments and collaborating on various projects. In addition to fostering teamwork, this approach also encourages contributions towards environmental improvement and the overall well-being of the workforce.
With a grand total of 57 volunteer hours clocked, the team’s efforts are nothing short of remarkable, and the impact of this collaborative effort will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on the areas overseen by Kate and Mark. The Estate would like to extend their gratitude to all volunteers who participated on the day.
Should this have inspired you to get involved and would like to volunteer, please contact [email protected].