VOLUNTEERS from Classic Cottages recently spent the day working with Cornwall Wildlife Trust in Allet at its Five Acres headquarters at Allet near Truro.

The team, which included Classic’s IT experts, booking office administrators and marketing staff, spent the day at the nature reserve helping on phase 1 of a long-term wildflower meadow project.

The day’s work, which included shifting lots of cut wood to a hard-standing, was especially useful as a tractor would have badly damaged the ground which is still very soft after the excessive winter rain.

“It was a pretty exhausting day but we had great weather and worked really well together – it was great to spend the day with everyone in a completely different environment. We’re all looking forward to coming back and seeing the finished meadow.” Elizabeth Heather, Classic Cottages.

The site, which also contains the Two Burrows scheduled ancient monument, will eventually be home to even more wildlife and plant life so plenty more opportunity for little field voles, like the one spotted by the team, to thrive.

“There’s a lot of work to do around the gardens and reserves so we’re always pleased to welcome volunteers. We’re really grateful that some of the Classic team were able to come and help out. 5 extra pairs of hands for a day really did make a huge difference and allowed us to keep the momentum for this phase of the project.” David May, Volunteers Co-ordinator, Cornwall Wildlife Trust

Serena Pettigrew-Jolly, Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s Business Support Manager adds,

“We are delighted to have welcomed Classic Cottage staff to help with our vital wildlife conservation work at Allet. The team’s contribution has not only been a huge help but business volunteering such as this is also a fantastic opportunity to get out of the office and back to nature."

Classic’s day with the trust is part of a series of volunteering days scheduled in by the company.

“As well as regular fundraisers we love organising volunteering days and getting involved with community events like beach cleans or footpath maintenance projects. It’s important to us to play an active and positive role in life in Cornwall.” Simon Tregoning, Chairman of the Classic Cottages Group