Everyone loves a team volunteering away day. They build confidence, communication and cohesion, bringing people closer together by offering a change of scene, It’s a chance to show off creativity and resilience in a fresh environment.
Most of all, it offers a sense of purpose and fulfillment at the end of the day.
It’s something we really believe in at Lewisham Local. Businesses and the places they inhabit aren’t separate things – both communities stand to benefit from one another, working in partnership.
So, we were delighted to welcome Zebra for the day, to lend a much-needed hand on our Wildcat Wilderness project.
The Wildcat Wilderness is a community space where everyone is welcome to explore nature and wildlife, play and relax in a tranquil setting, learn practical outdoor skills and crafts, and share and enjoy a community space with others of all ages, cultures, and abilities.
It’s a community green space and food growing garden, with an outdoor kitchen, orchard, bee hives and dye garden coordinated by Lewisham Local in Catford, Lewisham.
Since September 2014, volunteers have transformed a neglected, overgrown, rubbish-strewn space into a thriving community space for volunteering, events and activities, forest schools, social and therapeutic horticulture projects and so much more.
We connect the local community with nature, to promote physical and mental wellbeing, community cohesion, social inclusion, volunteering and learning new skills – whilst improving the natural environment. Everything is centred on connecting people with nature; improving their wellbeing and helping people discover and learn about the environment.
It takes a lot of work to maintain a valuable community asset like this, and project co-ordinator Maria is always happy to welcome corporate volunteering teams full of helping hands.
The Zebra team had a productive day in the wilderness, and wrote us some lovely feedback, which you can read below.
Commitment to the Wilderness
“I’ve long been aware of the excellent work that Maria and the team at Wild Cat Wilderness do, so it was great to be able to get our team involved.
From the moment we arrived we were struck by Maria’s passion and commitment to the Wilderness and her extensive knowledge of its history – we were all immediately engaged and keen to get on with whatever work was needed. Splitting up into small groups we got stuck in to composting, cleaning the polytunnel, relining and refilling one of the ponds, clearing areas of thick shrub and weeding the vegetable beds.
A particular challenge was unloading the new compost toilet from the delivery truck – this was a real team effort and required some careful maneuvering down narrow, slippery pathways; never was lunchtime more keenly greeted!
Sitting down on hay bales to a hearty stew consolidated the outdoor experience – and it was truly delicious. I think getting outside, getting our hands dirty and coming away tired but with a real sense of achievement was what made the day so enjoyable. Each of us felt we had done something worthwhile, and we left with a sense of achievement – the positive effect this kind of work has on mental health cannot be overstated and the knowledge that it is benefitting others is a true prize. We very much look forward to returning to WCW in the spring and helping out with whatever is needed to support this wonderful initiative.”
Beautiful green space hidden away in the city
“Spending the day away from my laptop and getting my hands dirty in the soil was just what I needed. Such a beautiful green space hidden away in the city.” – GK
“Aside from the satisfaction of some good old fashioned, outdoor graft, one of the best bits for me was later in the day, when the school kids came to make use of the space. It was so clear to see how much they were all enjoying it there and really made the day feel worthwhile”. – NG
“I had a great time volunteering at Wild Cat Wilderness, plenty of work to get stuck into and all for an amazing cause”. – JT
Knowledge and Nourishment at Wildcat Wilderness
“Wow. What a day we had at Wildcat Wilderness. As well as the obvious good glow we got from giving back, we also learnt lots of interesting tips about gardening from tree grafting, to digging ponds, replanting brambles, and compostable toilets. A truly magical experience hosted by Maria who was also a fabulous source of knowledge about how the garden originated and its multi-use. And served us a mean vegetable soup! The team are excited to go back”. NC
We make a charge for corporate teams, which enables us to recover costs incurred including charge for materials, staff time for panning and on the day. Prices range from £30-£50 per person with a minimum charge of £250, excluding materials.
We can also provide refreshments and lunch (eg campfire soup and bread) at a charge. Please download the document included below for more information for Corporate teams at Wildcat Wilderness.
If you or your team is interested in volunteering at Wildcat Wilderness contact Maria Devereaux, or to find something else in the area search our Community Directory.