Desks and computers were swapped for the great outdoors when a team from Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) took a day away from the office to volunteer at a nature reserve near Beaconsfield.
The Holtspur Bank Local Nature Reserve is home to the Early Purple Orchid and the twenty-strong SSEN team, who are usually based at company's headquarters in Forbury Place - used their 'Be the Difference' days to help re-coppice and clear the area where the rare orchids grow, to ensure they have the right habitat to thrive. As their name suggests, the Early Purple Orchid flowers from April, so it was vital that the team cleared the site ahead of the spring.
The rest of the day was spent helping the Reserve's volunteers with the general upkeep of the grassland, resulting in enough wood cleared to set up a bonfire and warm the weary teams at the end of their day's efforts.
Susan Suto-Somogyvari organised the day and gathered together the group of SSEN volunteers: "We first volunteered at Holtspur Bank around five years ago and our most recent day there saw us return to one of the areas we had cleared at that time. It's incredible to see the change in the landscape after just a few years and the difference that the volunteers can make to benefit this habitat for flora and fauna."
"SSEN gives us the opportunity each year to make contributions like this to local organisations, charities and good causes. We can arrange groups and teams of people to turn up and take on the jobs that need to be done, but where the skills or even just the time might not be available to tackle them. It's wonderful to take part and know that your contribution really can make a difference."
John Shaw from the Holtspur Reserve added: "We have really enjoyed hosting SSEN staff on their 'Be the Difference' days at Holtspur Bank LNR over the past few years. This year was no exception they got loads of scrub cut and burnt and working with our other volunteers cleared the woodland glade for its special plants and wildlife - we look forward to seeing you next year. A big thanks to all who came along!"
If you would like to learn more about how 'Be The Difference' could help in your local community, please visit - www.sse.com/beingresponsible/responsiblecommunitymember/bethedifference/.