Staff from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) Farming Minister’s Private Office swapped desks for woodland tools recently, joining the Surrey Hills National Landscape team for a rewarding day of conservation volunteering.
The group took part in a hands-on coppicing and dormouse box-making session, learning traditional woodland management skills while making a practical contribution to local wildlife habitats. The day offered a chance to connect with nature, work together outdoors and gain a deeper understanding of the conservation work that helps protect and enhance the Surrey Hills landscape.
The dormouse boxes were built at the Norbury Park Sawmill and Woodland Hub, a unique facility where local communities and businesses can take part in traditional woodland crafts, conservation projects and rural skills training. The hub is also home to The Skill Mill Surrey, the award-winning social enterprise that supports employment opportunities for 16 to 18-year-olds with previous offending histories.
By helping to create much-needed habitat for one of the UK’s most iconic woodland mammals, the team experienced first-hand the skill, craftsmanship and dedication involved in managing Surrey’s woodlands for nature.
Special thanks go to Surrey Hills Society rangers Sam and Kate for their expert coppicing tuition and supervision, and to Simon and Mike from the sawmill for their guidance in constructing the dormouse boxes.
Team volunteering days like these are a fantastic way for organisations to support nature recovery, strengthen team connections and make a positive impact on the Surrey Hills National Landscape.
Interested in bringing your team to volunteer with us? Find out more about our corporate volunteering opportunities Volunteer in the Surrey Hills – Surrey Hills National Landscape