At Wiltshire Wildlife Trust, our Wild Work Days offer local businesses a unique opportunity to step out of the office and into the heart of nature. These days are about more than just team building; they provide vital manual labour that helps us maintain our 40+ nature reserves across the county.

Recently, we were delighted to welcome a team from Novuna Vehicle Solutions to Green Lane Wood, Trowbridge. This ancient woodland is a jewel of the local landscape, but keeping it accessible and thriving requires constant care.

A Day of Hard Graft and High Spirits

The Novuna team didn't shy away from the physical challenges of the day. Their task list was ambitious, ranging from essential infrastructure improvements to habitat management.

By the end of the day, the team had:

• Installed two new IBC containers: These will collect rainwater to provide a sustainable water source for the onsite orchard and vegetable gardens.
• Fashioned a willow tunnel: Weaving living willow into an enchanting archway for visitors to enjoy.
• Restored the entrance: Clearing back the car park area and installing a brand-new information sign to welcome the public.
• Habitat Management: Tackling brambles and coppicing to ensure the woodland floor remains healthy.

A Newfound Appreciation

For many of the volunteers, the day was a chance to see a familiar landscape through new eyes. Sylvia, who organised the group from Novuna and participated in the day, said:

"It was such a pleasure for our team to spend the day supporting the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust through our volunteering scheme at Novuna Vehicle Solutions. I've lived in this area for nearly 10 years and have visited Green Lane Woods many times with my children. This experience has given me a newfound appreciation for the region and how much work is involved in the maintenance and conservation of the woodland area.

We learnt so much on the day from the enthusiastic and knowledgeable Matt and Abi, who clearly love their jobs. We were kept busy all day and it was topped off with a walk through the beautiful woods, with Matt giving us invaluable insight along the way. A fantastic day which I would highly recommend!"

Nature’s Reward

Even a lunchtime cloudburst couldn't dampen the team's enthusiasm. Once the tools were put away, the group was treated to a guided tour of the reserve to see exactly what they were working to protect.

Matt, the Trust's Green Lane Wood Warden, noted:

"Novuna managed to install two new IBC containers to collect rainwater to help water the orchard and veg gardens, plus weaved in the willow tunnel, cleared back the car park and installed a new information sign. The heavens opened at lunchtime and we were all a little soggy, but it didn’t dampen spirits as we finished the day with a guided walk of the reserve to see the bluebells, primroses, goldilocks buttercup and so many other wildflowers. A good day all round!"

Get Involved

Is your team looking to make a real difference in the local environment? Our Wild Work Days are a fantastic way to support local biodiversity, improve team wellbeing, and give back to the Wiltshire community.