Zellar Together initiative launches in Leicestershire

In March, we launched our first Zellar Together programme where members are invited to join Zellar employees for a day of community volunteering, fully organised by us.

The inaugural event took place at Bradgate Park, a public parkland located to the north of Leicester, boasting over 830 acres of wild landscape. Zellar founder Gary and volunteering assistant apprentice Daisy were joined by some of our local Leicestershire businesses.

Steeped in history, Bradgate Park was first enclosed as a deer park around 800 years ago. Over 550 deer still roam the park today. It was also the childhood home of Lady Jane Grey.

Bradgate Park’s vision is for future generations, irrespective of their age and background, to appreciate and commemorate the stunning landscapes, nature and cultural heritage of Bradgate Park and Swithland Wood. The park encourages the public to enjoy its stunning scenery and to get involved in volunteering opportunities such as conservation work to help with the maintenance of the park. 

After a health and safety briefing from our leader for the day Ranger Di, and armed with spades, rakes, tree poppers and slashers, we headed into the woods.

Our task was to work to tackle the laurel and brambles, an invasive species. Di explained that unless controlled these can have disastrous effects on the ecosystem such as reducing biodiversity and making flora and fauna extinct. By removing the laurel and bramble, it also helped native flowers to grow in the woodlands.

Invasive species tend to have aggressive root systems so digging them up took a lot of effort. However, it was very satisfying when you were finally able to unearth the roots to add them to a growing pile. By the end of the day, you could really see that the work we had done made a difference.  

From a packaging supplier to a book subscription service, businesses of all shapes and sizes joined us – and all found to be a really simple and fulfilling way to make volunteering happen in their business. As well as to meet network with other businesses. And of course, with Zellar organising everything for them - all they had to do was turn up and work hard. Zellar is planning to organise further Zellar Together days in 2023. If you’d like us to organise something in your region then please get in touch.

To understand how to make volunteering work in your business you can also download our free volunteering guide.