05 Feb 2025
The Countryside Team and able2achieve worked on a practical task at Trinity Hill Local Nature Reserve

A group of adults, with additional needs, took part in important conservation work at an Axminster nature reserve as part of a special skill-building project.

The Countryside Team partnered up with able2achieve and organised for five adult learners to spend some time outdoors while developing new skills, at Trinity Hill Local Nature Reserve. 

The group participated in gorse removal, an important conservation activity to improve biodiversity. The opportunity helped to boost their confidence and work towards greater independence in their personal and professional lives.

The partnership began when able2achieve approached EDDC’s Countryside Team to purchase charcoal for a plant terrarium workshop. 

Countryside Ranger, Ben Morgan-Brown identified the opportunity for collaborative working which led to the first session at Trinity Hill.

Ben said:

“It was fantastic to host able2achieve learners at Trinity Hill – the day enabled important work to take place on site and gave adult learners the opportunity to try their hand at something new. We’re excited about the chance to working together again in the future.”

Councillor Geoff Jung, Portfolio Holder Coast, Country and Environment added:

“EDDC is working to achieve a sustainable environment that is moving towards carbon neutrality, and which promotes nature recovery. The partnership between EDDC’s Countryside Team and able2achieve is a hugely positive step, as it supports the council to achieve this priority, whilst also providing adults with additional needs new practical skills and confidence.”

Joe Knights, able2achieve’s Learning Manager, said:

“Working with the EDDC’s Countryside Team allowed our learners and staff to see practical site habitat management in action. Visiting Trinity Hill Local Nature Reserve gave us all the chance to see a very different habitat and take part in a new task.

“Some of the learners that took part hope to work in the environmental sector in the future, so it was great for them to gain hands-on experience.  Perhaps most importantly, it was a fun day out for all, and we look forward to helping out again in the future.”

For more information about the work of the Countryside team and volunteering opportunities visit: https://wildeastdevon.co.uk/volunteering/

For more information about able2achieve visit: https://www.able2achieve.org.uk/