A Blooming Good Deed!
WCWR Asylum Seekers Help Revitalise Local Nature Reserve
A heartwarming story unfolded on a chilly January morning in Worcester, as a group of asylum seekers rolled up their sleeves to help manage Perry Wood nature reserve. These volunteers, hailing from Eritrea, Ethiopia, Afghanistan, and Yemen, joined forces with Worcester Environmental Group (WEG) and Worcester City Council, proving that community spirit knows no borders.
Led by Sylvie, an English teacher and volunteer coordinator for Worcester City Welcomes Refugees, the group braved the winter chill and trekked from their hotel to the reserve. There, they met Zoe and her team from WEG, along with Matt from the council, ready to tackle the task at hand: clearing an overgrown path.
The aim was simple: widen the path to allow more sunlight to reach the woodland floor. This would encourage the growth of native plants like bluebells, ramsons, and wood anemones, creating a richer habitat for local wildlife. The work involved cutting hazel to ground level, trimming overhanging holly branches, and then repurposing the hazel branches to create wild hedges.
Despite the brisk weather and the physical demands of the work, everyone threw themselves into the project with gusto. Menty, with Sammy by his side, was a force to be reckoned with on the “hacking mission,” while Nati and Abeselom formed a formidable team. The energy was infectious, and the path was cleared in record time.
Abdisa, acting as interpreter, ensured everyone understood the instructions and stayed safe, while Sylvie kept a watchful eye, reminding everyone to avoid any A&E trips on such a productive day!
After three hours of teamwork, the group left the woods with a real sense of accomplishment. Not only had they made a tangible difference to the nature reserve, but they’d also gained valuable experience in conservation management and picked up a host of new English words. The WEG volunteers were praised for their friendly guidance and willingness to learn about the cultures and backgrounds of the asylum seekers. It was a win-win for everyone involved, proving that community projects can be a fantastic way to build bridges and foster a sense of belonging.