A team of volunteers from Lindum York braved the rain to support York Cares’ Big Community Challenge 2025 at St Nicks Nature Reserve.

Seven colleagues from the York office joined forces to carry out improvements to one of the nature reserve’s entrances.

The group worked together on a range of physical tasks including cutting back overgrown vegetation, clearing the ground, and constructing a new fence. They also helped prepare the area for a refreshed border and the installation of a new wooden sign.

The work forms part of this year’s city-wide challenge, themed “Connected by Nature”, which celebrates how natural spaces support wellbeing, strengthen community ties and encourage environmental action.

Over four weeks, more than 500 volunteers from local businesses are expected to get involved across York’s green spaces, including Rowntree Park, the River Foss, and Rawcliffe Country Park.

Lindum York recently became a Bronze member of York Cares, contributing financial support to help deliver volunteering opportunities like this and providing resources such as tools and materials.

Lindum colleagues took part in the morning session at St Nicks, working alongside St Nicks staff to make a visible difference to the much-loved community site.

Speaking after the session, Lindum York Managing Director James Nellist said: “It was wet and muddy, but the team had a great time working together on something that will benefit the whole community. It’s rewarding to see the impact that can be made in just a few hours.

“As a local construction company, based just down the road in Elvington, we’re really pleased to lend a hand and support initiatives like this which improve the places where our colleagues, families and neighbours live. It’s also great to be able to use some of our practical skills, teamwork and resources to make a real difference outside of our construction sites.

“We’re pleased to be part of York Cares and to play a small part in helping nature thrive while strengthening connections across the city. This is another example of how we’re committed to giving back to York by working with local partners to support the environment and the community.”

The Big Community Challenge is organised by York Cares, a charity based at the University of York which brings together businesses, employees, and community groups to make York a better place to live and work. This year’s event is run in partnership with St Nicks and the City of York Council ECO Team.