Preserving a sanctuary for local wildlife

Colleagues from Association for Project Management (APM) rolled up their sleeves for not one but two days of hard work with the Chiltern Society, helping to maintain a well-known beauty spot and wildlife habitat.

Whiteleaf Hill Nature Reserve is part of the Chilterns Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and sits above the historic market town of Princes Risborough, where APM’s head office is based.

Whiteleaf Hill boasts a diverse range of habitats which support an array of plants, fungi and animals all year round. It is also home of the historic Whiteleaf Cross, a 100m high chalk hill figure that dates back to the 18th century.

Members of APM’s Knowledge team took time to join one of the Chiltern Society’s rangers to carry out ground clearance work on two dates in August and September.

Carol Rayner, e-learning manager, was among the volunteers. Describing the team’s involvement, she said: “After a short health and safety briefing, we were guided to an area below Whiteleaf Cross and, using bowsaws and loppers, were tasked with removing ash saplings, small shrubs and brambles.

“As the hill is native grassland, which is a rapidly declining wildlife habitat, the Chiltern Society must cut back tree and shrub growth each year to maintain it.

“It was a hugely rewarding session. We successfully cleared an area of around 30 square metres during each session and felt positive that we had made a difference.”