13th August 2021

Ambush Security experienced a corporate volunteering day with us at Northmoor Hill Woods in July. It was a very productive day – they worked hard, achieved a fantastic amount, enjoyed the fresh air, exercise and the chance to escape their work routine and talk as a team.

What a Corporate Volunteering Day in the Colne Valley Regional Park Involves

The day is delivered by Groundwork South who manage the Colne Valley Park. The project supervisor is Matt Hartgrove an experienced woodland ranger. He organises all the practicalities including what to wear, health & safety, providing tools and guidance on how to use them and leads, demonstrates and explains the tasks.

On 13th July the weather was perfect. There were twelve members of Ambush staff, as one unlucky person had to stay behind to man the office.

“We chose to volunteer for a work-party for a number of reasons really…

With furloughing on and off for some time and restrictions now looking to decrease, we wanted to refresh our company’s spirit with some fresh air team building. Being sponsors of Colne Valley anyway, it felt natural to do something to benefit the community and the environment – as well as our team. So trainees and directors alike, the entire Ambush family don our gloves and are proud to help.”

The team brought Percy the dog their ‘Happiness manager’. He usually has to sit obediently in the office so was delighted to scamper around in the woods instead.

Matt bangs in a fence post.

Look at this dead hedge, the second they’d proudly created in the first hour.

Look how much we achieved

The tasks set by Matt were

  • Repairs to dead hedges – using cut material to repair dead hedges which are designed to stop motor bikes accessing areas of the site and protecting wildlife.
  • Litter picking along a small stream
  • Pulling himalayan balsam an invasive plant on site.
  • Cutting up branches which have been cut as a result of tree work on site.
  • Repairs to fencing/steps – this would involve cutting to material to use as stakes knocking this in to the ground and securing

A phenomenal amount in one day: Thanks Team!

Before: fence in poor state.

After: What a transformation, with new posts the fence is upright again.

About Northmoor Hill Woods

Northmoor Hill Woods is an area of semi natural ancient woodland located on the edge of Denham. The woods have been managed on a 99 year lease by the Colne Valley Park for the last 7 years. The woods are managed for the benefit of both wildlife and the local community. A number of interesting natural features are contained in the woods including a swallow hole and ancient coppiced ash stools. Northmoor Hill Woods are very popular with dog walkers and families.

The site is managed on a small budget and the work undertaken by corporate groups is invaluable to their management and enhancement.

Northmoor Hill Woods are a particularly exciting place for children to play because of the steep changes in gradient.

Learn more here about Denham Woods.

Ambush Security

Ambush Security provide domestic and commercial security solutions in London and the surrounding areas. They are a corporate supporter of the Colne Valley Regional Park and you can find out more about them here.

Percy, Ambush Security’s happiness manager is a key member of the team.

At the end of an exhausting but satisfying day, the Ambush team proudly show off the new noticeboard they put up.

What your Company Could Experience as a Corporate Supporter of the Colne Valley Park

To be a corporate supporter and support us all year round not just for the practical days click here.

Not yet a corporate supporter but would like a corporate volunteering day? Get in touch.