Combined Insurance employees take part in Environmental Challenge Day

Combined Insurance employees took part in a Surrey Wildlife Trust (SWT) environmental challenge day on Chobham Common as part of their new corporate partnership with the Trust.

Four volunteers spent the morning cutting down gorse bushes and pine saplings to clear an area for the creation of a new pond.  After a well-earned picnic lunch the volunteers were given a guided tour of the common and had the chance to feed some of the grazing cattle introduced by SWT as part of the Grazing Project.

Even though it was hard work, everyone was very dedicated to completing their tasks and did a fantastic job. The project has a real and immediate benefit for precious local wildlife, such as dragonflies and water voles that thrive in heathland pools.

Olga said, “I was full of anticipation and excitement at the prospect of being a volunteer to help preserve the Chobham Common heathland and also put back something into the community. Chobham Common is a lovely spot set in beautiful scenery and wonderful surroundings. The work we did there was quite physical and there were lots of bugs, slugs and spiders but the team spirit was great and we were also burning up a lot of calories! It was a nice feeling that our efforts will make a difference. I have never done anything like this before, but it was a fantastic and rewarding experience and I would gladly do it again.”

 “I'll be up for another challenge”, said Tanya. She also added, “After working in an office all my working life, it was a pleasure to be able to work outside in the local area and in good company, making a difference to the environment and giving something back, as well as feeling a sense of achievement and well being.” 

To find out how your company can get involved, contact Colin Greenwood, business relations executive, on 01483 795441 or email colin.greenwood@surreywt.org.uk.

More about Corporate Partnerships