Learning, Laughing and Lending a Hand: NFU Mutual’s L&D Team Join Us at our Nature Reserve
We welcomed the Learning & Development team from NFU Mutual to our nature reserve for a day of volunteering and what a brilliant day it was. As a mostly remote team, their goal was to reconnect in person, enjoy time outdoors, and do something meaningful together that benefits the wider community.
Starting with Purpose
To kick things off, the team took part in a short ‘impact quiz’ to explore the ripple effects of volunteering. It sparked some thoughtful conversations about how community action boosts wellbeing, supports the environment, and helps people and places thrive. It set the tone for a day full of energy, purpose and positivity.
Getting Stuck In
With paintbrushes at the ready, some of the team set to work refreshing our wooden gazebos, bringing a splash of colour and care back to areas of the reserve. Others headed off on a wellbeing walk around the site, taking time to slow down, soak in the natural surroundings, and carry out a biodiversity audit along the way. It was a lovely reminder of how much life is thriving on the reserve as the wildflowers begin to grow and the importance of keeping it that way.
Building the Foundations of a Medicinal Garden
Back in the heart of the site, another group helped us get the ball rolling on a new and exciting project: a medicinal garden. The team arranged and filled planters with peat-free compost, getting them ready to house herbs and plants that have been used in natural remedies for generations. It’s early days for this space, but it’s shaping up beautifully thanks to their thoughtful layout and teamwork.
Brain power
As well as physical activities, the volunteers also worked collaboratively using their business skills and knowledge to input thoughts and ideas to help us to develop new products/services. We greatly valued their input and creativity.
A Day That Grows Beyond the Garden
By the end of the day, the group had achieved a lot but more than anything, they’d reconnected, shared laughs, learned something new, and left a positive mark on our nature reserve. Whether painting, creating or pausing to appreciate nature, their efforts will have a lasting impact and we were so pleased to have them with us.
“I really enjoyed the variety of activities - a great combination of hands on helping, as well as mindful activities. Provided a good break away from the office in a great calm environment. Keep up the good work!”
“Enjoyed the whole day. Good team building event and very relaxing. Felt very welcoming and nice to be in the sunshine”
“I enjoyed the time spent outside and connecting with nature. Also, seeing the improvements our team has achieved within the day”
“Gorgeous location”