Earth & Worms: Volunteers Go Green in Aberdeen

On Tuesday 22nd February, six employees from across the Group volunteered to help a small charity in Tillydrone, Aberdeen.

Earth & Worms was formed by group of like-minded individuals who are passionate about transforming a derelict stretch of land on an estate without green spaces into a wildlife, nature and food growing area for the local community to enjoy.

Our team of volunteers worked together to install and construct the first phase of a large food-growing polytunnel. At the request of local children, they also painted fences with bright colours and panelled a wildlife viewing hide.

Erecting the large polytunnel linked back to the work that was achieved from our last visit to the site - a group of different volunteers helped to get the first phase of the site ready by digging up tree roots in preparation of building the poly-tunnel. They also wheel-barrowing sixteen-tonne of gravel to create a drive entrance and built a picnic seating area.

Graham Craib, E&I Manager at Apollo, said: “As a fairly new starter it was brilliant to find out that the company allow us to volunteer and help local charities. I enjoyed finding out about the charity and meeting new colleagues. I’ve decided to return back at the weekend, in my own time, to help the charity further .”

Andrea Strachan, Operations Accountant at Global Energy Group, said: “I really enjoyed taking part. It felt good to get outdoors, learn new skills and do something away from the day job that clearly made a difference to the charity. Hard work but such a rewarding day.”

John Sergison from the Earth & Worms project, said: “I can’t thank you enough for coming along to help. You achieved so much in a day that would have taken us months. It’s been a tough two years for local people and this place will be important for people’s recovery and mental health in the future. You definitely helped make a difference and you are all welcome back anytime.”

Creating opportunities for everyone in our organisation to volunteer not only helps to improve the lives of others, but also supports us in gaining a greater sense of belonging to our communities.

We'd like take this opportunity to thank Paul Corcoran and his team at Business Volunteers for their continued support and arranging a rewarding day for everyone involved.