Wokingham branch provide a helping hand at Holt Copse

The visit was part of the Society's employee volunteering programme. 

Charlotte Hall, Branch Manager, was joined by four members of the Wokingham team - Justine Ransom, Sue Murgatroyd, Amelia Coney and Keryn Rosolemos who spent time moving waste, trimming hedges, and removing bramble from trees. 

Holt Copse is a small area of ancient woodland and wildlife site in Wokingham. The volunteering group, Holt Copse Conservation, was formed in 1999 by a group of concerned residents whose goal was to work with Wokingham Town Council to help preserve and manage the woodland area for the benefit of the public and natural environment.  

“This was such a good experience to get out, learn and help. Justine and I were put on the task of trimming the hedges and then moving the waste. Doing this showed how big an impact such a little task makes; especially from people passing by thanking the group. We were told about the history of the woodlands and how they find ways to make the area more sustainable.

One of things that interested me was how they used the waste from the hedges to make paths/barriers, this was called a dead hedge which then dissolves to dirt allowing them to add to the woodlands and stop people going off the path and ruining natural environment.” - Amelia Corney, Customer Service Adviser 

The visit was part of the Society’s employee volunteering programme, an initiative which gives employees a 2-day volunteering allowance to support a charity, community project or local institution of their choice.  

“It was lovely to take part in such a green initiative, to learn about the history and how they try to stay sustainable within the woodland area.” - Justine Ransom, Mortgage & Savings Adviser

“I drive past Holt Copse every day on my way to work and it is pleasing to see the Rowan tree that we freed from the stranglehold of brambles.” - Sue Murgatroyd, Customer Service Adviser