In an exciting collaboration between Caerphilly Cares and local company Catnic, staff volunteers took part in vital conservation work aimed at enhancing local biodiversity and providing safer access to forest school sessions for pupils. The volunteering efforts took place in an area within Bargoed Woodland Park with tasks including cutting back scrub and removing small trees to improve access and encourage new growth on the woodland floor.

The volunteer’s work not only boosted the local ecosystem but also created a safer, more accessible space for the local primary school to conduct forest school sessions.

Andrew Thomas, Catnic’s Health & Safety, Quality, and Environmental Manager expressed enthusiasm for the initiative: “We’re proud to support the local environment as part of our wider sustainability goals, and it’s fantastic that local children will directly benefit from our work. This project is about more than just conservation; it’s about giving back to the community.”

Five members of Catnic’s team, alongside two CCBC staff who volunteered through the Corporate Employee Volunteer Scheme (EVS) co-ordinated by the Caerphilly Cares team, participated in the session. The work was led by CCBC Countryside Rangers, Conor and Mark. Catnic has also committed to taking part in future volunteering sessions later this year at Cwm Darran and Aberbargoed Grasslands.

Cllr Carol Andrews, Cabinet Member for Education and Communities at CCBC, praised the partnership: “This collaboration between Catnic and Caerphilly Cares is a wonderful example of how local businesses can contribute to environmental sustainability and community education. The work done here will have a lasting impact, allowing our young people to engage with nature safely while learning valuable skills.”

If you or your business is interested in volunteering opportunities with the Council, please contact the Caerphilly Cares team on 01443 811490 or email [email protected].