Special Volunteering Day - Barclays
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Oxleas Wood - Coppicing Coupe 2
Friday, 7th August 2026
After having to cancel our June session for 20 Barclays volunteers because of the extreme temperatures, we were delighted that the company’s third volunteering session of the year could finally go-ahead last Friday, 7th August. This time, the group was smaller, with nine volunteers joining us – but they certainly made up for it in enthusiasm!
After meeting at Oxleas Café for a little ‘out of office’ team bonding, the group headed to the Oxleas Centre, where our three session leaders welcomed them, provided their protective equipment and introduced them to the woodlands and the plans for the day. It was immediately clear that this was an interested and inquisitive team. There were plenty of questions about the history of Oxleas Woodlands and, importantly, about the conservation work they would be helping with.
Soon, armed with tree-poppers, mattocks and two loaded barrows, everyone headed to our 2026–2027 coupe. After a Health & Safety briefing, explanations about the work and demonstrations of tools, they were ready to get stuck in. Their role was to remove light-shading, invasive plants and shrubs, as well as many trip hazards from the woodland floor, all in preparation for the coppicing itself – an important, traditional woodland management technique.
There was plenty to do, and the volunteers were able to choose from a variety of tasks. Our leaders initially provided guidance and supervision, but it wasn’t long before everyone was confidently getting on with their chosen jobs. They certainly seemed to enjoy the opportunity to swap the office for the woodland for the day!
Before they knew it, lunchtime had arrived, and the team headed back uphill to enjoy the delights of Oxleas Café. They were clearly impressed – at least one volunteer even returned to the cafe after the session!
The afternoon passed quickly, with plenty of conversation between volunteers and our leaders on just about every subject imaginable – although, inevitably, the subject of work did occasionally creep back into the conversation!
It was a lovely, relaxed session, working together in the dappled sunlight to care for this beautiful ancient woodland. By the end of the afternoon, the team had made a valuable contribution to the ongoing coppicing work.
Volunteering sessions such as this make a real difference to our ability to carry out essential conservation work. They also give people who may never otherwise visit Oxleas the opportunity to discover this wonderful ancient woodland and understand why it is so important that we protect and care for it.
What made their contribution particularly special was that not one of the volunteers was from the local area, and none had visited Oxleas Woodlands before. They had travelled considerable distances to spend their volunteering day with us - Redbridge, Wimbledon, Highbury, Maidstone and even as far away as Droitwich - and we are incredibly grateful for the time, energy and enthusiasm they brought with them.
A huge thank you to the whole Barclays team for your hard work, good humour and enthusiasm. We hope you enjoyed your day in the woods as much as we enjoyed having you – and we look forward to welcoming you back!
