At LHC, we work to build stronger communities; one way we do this is by giving all staff members 1.5 days of paid leave to support a charity or the community. Recently, two of our team members, Annie, LHC’s Senior Business Coordinator and Abdi, LHC’s Business Coordinator, used their volunteer day leave to make a difference at Minet Country Park in Hayes, London Borough of Hillingdon.
Joining forces with other LHCPG team members, they dedicated their day to environmental conservation, proving that a little effort can go a long way in protecting our local green spaces.
The Minet Country Park in Hayes
The Minet Country Park is more than just a green space. Spanning 36 hectares on Springfield Road, the park has been a staple part of the community. It features the Hillingdon Cycle Circuit, walking paths, and vital wildlife habitats. Connected by a network of hedges, waterways, and grassland, the park is a sanctuary for numerous species of wild plants, birds, and insects.
For Annie, supporting this cause was personal. Living in the London Borough of Hillingdon, she wanted to support the green spaces in her local community while contributing to LHC’s environmental and social value commitments. The history between the London Borough of Hillingdon and LHCPG also played a significant role in her decision.
For Abdi, he wanted to help maintain a valued community space and see the positive impact a small amount of time and effort can have on the local environment.
A day of hard work
The team didn't shy away from the physical challenge. They spent five hours walking around the park, focusing on litter picking and path maintenance to ensure the park remained safe and accessible.
The day was physically demanding but incredibly fulfilling. In addition to clearing a huge area of litter, including broken glass, sharp objects, and toxic waste that pose a danger to families, dog walkers, and cyclists, the team turned their attention to the park’s plant life.
The hot weather had taken a toll on the park's younger trees. The team watered 39 trees, pouring 10 litres of water on each. This required filling jars of water from the Minet Park Lodge, which they then transported using a manual carriage. It was heavy work, but essential for the survival of the newly planted trees.
The impact of giving back
For both Annie and Abdi the work went beyond just aesthetics. By removing litter and providing essential water to the trees, they supported the park's long-term sustainability and conservation objectives.
For Abdi, the experience was a reminder of the power of community involvement. "It was encouraging to see the difference that volunteers can make through simple but meaningful tasks," he said. "I wanted to give back to my local community and support environmental initiatives."
For Annie, the benefits were both environmental and personal. "It is my utmost pleasure to make an impactful difference in everything I do and in the community I belong to," she shared. "We walked for 5 hours picking up litter and watering trees with only a half-hour lunch break. This, to me, was a physical outdoor exercise which contributed significantly to my mental health and well-being."
The team returned to work tired but inspired. Their day at Minet Country Park highlights the importance of protecting our green spaces and the positive impact that volunteering can have not just on the environment, but on our own wellbeing. Whether it’s picking up a piece of litter or watering a young tree, every action counts.