In my younger years a wild work day involved racing around the F1 paddock trying to secure interviews or going to a bar in Monaco to film former team boss, Eddie Jordan, performing with his band.

Thankfully a WTBCN Wild Work Day is the antithesis to this, designed to give staff from companies across Beds, Cambs and Northants the chance to get outdoors and learn more about our local wildlife whilst being part of WTBCN’s efforts to manage, protect and enhance our nature reserves’ habitats.

When you say work day, how hard is that going to be?

From dawn to dusk you will be slogging in the fields, woods and meadows. Just kidding, arrival time is usually around 10am, finishing at around 4pm with some breaks during the day and the pace of the work is really down to each attendee.

However, WTBCN staff involved with running these days have all been impressed with how everyone gets stuck in. In fact, it can sometimes get a little competitive, especially when we’re ragwort pulling and everyone gets big sacks to fill.

That’s just one of the potential work day tasks, others include coppicing, helping to construct fencing, pond maintenance, hedge laying and thistle pulling.

You mentioned breaks, do they include biscuits?

The weather forecast doesn’t look good – will you cancel?

Unlikely. Wild Work Days take place all-year-round in rain, sun and wintery frosts. However, it’s part of the health and safety checks to assess the weather - hurricanes, blizzards and floods may mean we don’t go ahead.

The key thing is to dress appropriately – lots of layers, sturdy shoes, sunscreen or waterproofs, as appropriate.

Should I go out and buy a scythe or some loppers?

No, all equipment and PPE will be provided and there’s a health and safety briefing before you head out into the wilds of the nature reserve you are visiting.

These days provide a great opportunity for team building and reaping the benefits of being outside in nature whilst learning a bit more about the wildlife in your local area. But don’t take our word for it, here’s what some of our previous attendees have told us:

Wonderful day out. Coppicing was rewarding, satisfying and challenging. Knowledgeable tour. Thank you so much!

Phillip, Fill Refill

Great day, lovely helping in the local area

Eleanor, Bidwells 

Lovely day! I absolutely enjoyed the wildlife experience. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and expertise with us. Hope to see you again soon!

Kasie, Cambridge University Press and Assessment

You can find out more about Wild Work Days or please do email us.