It has been a busy and rewarding year so far for our volunteering programme, with a wide range of hands-on conservation activities taking place across our biodiversity sites.
Tree Planting Days at Cains Lane and Two Bridges Farm
One of the key highlights of the year has been our tree planting days at Cains Lane and Two Bridges Farm. Volunteers came together to plant over 400 trees across both sites, helping to strengthen woodland structure and increase habitat diversity for future generations. These trees included a wide variety of apple trees, such as the Cox’s Orange Pippin, Adam’s Pearmain, Egremont Russet, and Beauty of Bath.
Volunteers came together to plant over 400 trees across both sites, helping to strengthen woodland structure and increase habitat diversity for future generations.
The species planted included apple and pear, alongside a range of other native and fruiting trees. These new plantings will provide valuable food sources and shelter for wildlife.
The orchards will not only benefit wildlife but also create a beautiful space for local people to enjoy throughout the year. From spring blossom to vibrant autumn colours, they will bring seasonal beauty for visitors to experience year after year.
Habitat Creation and Conservation Work
Our volunteers took part in a variety of practical habitat management activities across the year.
In February, at Princes Lakes, volunteers built hibernaculum to provide shelter for reptiles and amphibians during periods of harsh weather. As part of the same event, we also carried out wildflower bulb planting to support pollinators and enhance seasonal colour across our sites.
At Causeway Nature Reserve volunteers carried out a thorough litter pick and helped open up a woodland glade. The cleared material was repurposed to create brash piles, providing important refuge and habitat for invertebrates, birds, and small mammals.
Additional activities were also carried out at our Peggy Bedford site, where volunteers created wildflower patches, planted hedgerows, and undertook coppicing work to improve woodland structure and encourage biodiversity.
In celebration of World Bee Day, volunteers took part in a creative and competitive bee hotel building challenge. Teams designed and constructed their own bee hotels, supporting solitary bee species and raising awareness of the importance of pollinator habitats.
The day also included a game of wildlife bingo, encouraging participants to observe and engage with the surrounding biodiversity. The winning team was rewarded with a jar of delicious honey produced by our own beehives, making for a fitting celebration!
Insect Week Activities
To mark Insect Week, volunteers got hands-on with insect surveying activities across our sites. Participants made their own sweep nets and headed out into the field to search for invertebrates, contributing to informal monitoring and developing their identification skills.
The program also included a moth trap recording demonstration, offering insight into their diversity and surveying techniques. Wildlife bingo returned once again, helping to encourage observation and engagement in the natural world in a fun and accessible way.
These volunteering events not only support the management and enhancement of our biodiversity sites, but also provide valuable opportunities for people to connect with nature, develop new skills, take a break from the stresses of daily life, and contribute to local wildlife conservation.
Check out our other blog posts here!