Volunteering Day at Hogshaw Farm with Oakdene Hollins Team
Last week, the Oakdene Hollins team had the opportunity to roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty at Hogshaw Farm for a day of volunteering. Hogshaw Farm is a wildlife park for farmland and UK native animals located just a fifteen-minute drive from the Oakdene Hollins Aylesbury office. Throughout the day the team planted trees and shrubs for a new pine marten enclosure, and contributed to the greening of the farm with aspens, oaks, holly, cherry trees. This was a great way for the team to connect hands-on with nature.
The team dove headfirst into the volunteering activities, armed with shovels, gloves, and abundant enthusiasm. Planting trees for the pine marten enclosure was not only a fun experience but also a valuable contribution to the sustainability efforts at Hogshaw Farm. The plants planted were majority native species to give the pine marten the feel of a natural environment. Pine martens are one of the many threatened UK native species that Hogshaw Farm houses.
In the afternoon the team continued the hard work by planting shrubs and trees around the wider farm. The addition of diverse trees like oaks, holly, cherry trees, and aspens not only enhances the beauty of the farm but also supports local biodiversity.
Throughout the day the OH team were able to discuss the importance of nature protection and restoration, raising awareness of the species threatened in our own country, and sustainable farming practices with the Hogshaw Farm team. Hogshaw Farm's commitment to sustainability is evident throughout the farm from selling local and handmade goods in their shop, to reusing fallen branches as animal enrichment. The efforts to plant native flora and create spaces for local wildlife showcase a dedication to environmental stewardship that resonates deeply with the Oakdene Hollins team.
After a day of planting trees and embracing the outdoors, the team was in for a real treat - bottle-feeding lambs. The delightful experience of bonding with these adorable creatures was the perfect reward for their hard work. It's moments like these that remind us of the joy and fulfillment that come from giving back to the community and connecting with nature.
At Oakdene Hollins, we are proud to partner with organisations like Hogshaw Farm, who are leading the way in sustainable practices and conservation efforts in farming. Our volunteering day was not just a chance to get our hands dirty but an opportunity to support a valuable cause and make a tangible difference in our local environment.