Conservation Day sees Allianz Pledge Support for a More Sustainable Surrey Hills

A special conservation day at RSPB Farnham Heath in Farnham celebrated Allianz Insurance becoming the first ever Surrey Hills Corporate Member, paving the way for increased sustainability in the region partnering with Community Interest Company, Surrey Hills Enterprises.

Taking place on Friday 10 November with over 100 staff in attendance across three sessions, the team enjoyed the opportunity to get outside in the fresh air, working together in small groups at the wildlife area. Under the guidance of the Surrey Hills Society, the charitable arm of the Surrey Hills National Landscape and RSPB Staff, the group worked to remove pine trees to assist with the ongoing management and maintenance of precious lowland heathland habitat, ensuring a healthier environment for native species to grow and thrive. Removal of pine trees and scrub species means that the taller trees will no longer shadow the heather growing close by, a plant that is vital to many heathland species, including Nightjar, Silver-studded Blue butterflies and Dartford Warbler.

As part of the conservation day at RSPB Farnham Heath, the work by staff also created areas of bare ground that are hugely important for many species of reptile, including sand lizards and adders which can be seen on the reserve and invertebrates such as the green tiger beetle, all whilst learning about the history of RSPB Farnham Heath and the role it plays in supporting wildlife and for public enjoyment.

First Surrey Hills Corporate Member

The work undertaken by Allianz, one of the largest general insurers in the UK, is one of the key activities by the company since they were named as the first Surrey Hills Corporate Member by Surrey Hills Enterprises earlier this year. In June, the company enjoyed their first conservation day at Fox Corner Community Wildlife Area in Pirbright, where the team worked to remove invasive Himalayan Balsam and cleared drainage ditches to assist with water management in the area.

The Community Interest Company, Surrey Hills Enterprises, launched their Surrey Hills Corporate Members programme earlier this year to allow local corporate businesses to connect with the landscape of the Surrey Hills, improving sustainability by taking part in habitat restoral projects and connecting them with other Surrey Hills’ businesses from which they can buy sustainable products and utilise local venues and experiences.

Reflecting on the success of the recent conservation days, as well as their ongoing status as Surrey Hills Corporate Members, Carolyn Rich, Head of Market Management at Allianz, said:

“Huge thanks to the Surrey Hills Enterprises and the RSPB teams for helping to make our day so rewarding. Through wind and rain our team gave their all, using their volunteering hours, to make a difference to our community. We are proud to be Surrey Hills Enterprises first Corporate Member and look forward to more days like these out in the Surrey countryside.”

With the recent conservation days forming part of an important programme of nature recovery in the Surrey Hills national Landscape, it is hoped that Allianz Insurance will prove to be trailblazers for more regional corporates to become Surrey Hills Corporate Members, asserting their commitment to a greener future for the Surrey Hills.

Wendy Varcoe MBE, Executive Director of Surrey Hills Enterprises, commented:

“It is an absolute pleasure to have Allianz Insurance on board as the first Surrey Hills Corporate Member and to see them taking active steps to improve nature recovery within the Surrey Hills. We are extremely proud of their efforts and look forward to them building on their success, as well as others following their example. We encourage other local businesses to take their lead and also join up as Corporate Members.”

Surrey Hills Enterprises is calling on local businesses to consider becoming Surrey Hills Corporate Members to take part in their own vital conservation projects as part of a commitment to sustainability and a pledge of support to the Surrey Hills. Membership is through application, where businesses are considered under the criteria of locality, quality and sustainability.

For more information on the Surrey Hills Corporate Members programme, visit: https://surreyhills.org/surrey-hills-corporate-member.