Last week, the South West Flood and Coastal team came together for a hands-on team building day with a purpose — restoring heathland in Christchurch. Swapping laptops for loppers, we spent the day removing invasive trees and shrubs that threaten the delicate balance of this unique habitat.

St Catherine’s Hill nature reserve is home to a rich variety of species, many of which are under pressure due to habitat loss and encroachment. By clearing non-native overgrown and self-seeding vegetation, we’re helping to create the right conditions for heathland flora and fauna to thrive — from rare reptiles and birds to specialist plants.

It was a rewarding day of teamwork, fresh air, and lots of gorse! A particular highlight was hearing from Sarah and Eva, BCP Heathland Mitigation Rangers, about the history of the area, the threats it faces, and how it is managed. Beyond the environmental impact, it was a great opportunity to connect as a team, share laughs, and work together in a completely different setting.

Thanks to Jay, our Environmental Project Officer, for organising the day and to everyone who took part — and to Sarah and Eva who guided us so well. We’re proud to play a small part in protecting and enhancing our local natural landscapes, and we’d highly recommend it to other organisations who are looking for team building days that make a real difference to the area in which we live and work. Just contact the Heathland Mitigation team at BCP Council if you would like to organise a day for your own team – they can be reached at greenspaces@bcpcouncil.gov.uk.