At Pyramid International, we believe that supporting our community goes beyond business. On the 18th of March 2026, our Operations Manager Rich Gillatt and Marketing Coordinator Abii Lavery stepped away from their desks to take part in a hands-on conservation day at Croft Quarry in Leicestershire.

Working alongside The Conservation Volunteers (Leicestershire and Rutland), the day focused on maintaining public footpaths and cutting back hedgerows to keep the space accessible and safe for visitors.

What did the day at Croft Quarry involve?

From clearing overgrown paths to managing hedgerow growth, the focus was on preserving the natural environment while improving access for the local community. 

• Cutting back hedgerows along public footpaths

• Clearing and maintaining walking routes

• Supporting long-term conservation of the site

• Working as part of a wider volunteer group

It was a full day outdoors, with plenty of teamwork and shared effort throughout.

What did volunteers and organisers say about the experience?

One of the most valuable parts of the day was chatting to those involved in the event! Some having found the group through recent local projects, and others shared their years of community volunteering experiences.

Organisers shared how vital volunteer support is to keeping spaces like Croft Quarry accessible year-round. Without this kind of hands-on help, maintenance would be significantly harder to sustain.

One organiser shared their own journey into conservation, explaining how they began as a volunteer after university, before moving into a full-time role within the organisation. It’s a great example of how these initiatives can lead to long-term impact for not only the community, but for those taking part.

What did the Pyramid team take away from the day?

For Abii and Rich, the experience was both challenging and rewarding.

“It was definitely hard work, especially for a desk-dweller! But I found it so satisfying to see the difference we made by the end of the day. It was also really fun speaking with the volunteers and learning how they got into it, and why!”

~ Abii

“It was hard work but I thoroughly loved the whole experience. I met some amazing people and learned a lot about our local wildlife in the process. But above all, I came away with an amazing sense of achievement. Incredibly rewarding ”

~ Rich

Stepping away from the usual work environment also offered a different kind of perspective. It reinforced the value of teamwork in a completely new setting, and highlighted the importance of giving back locally.

How does this reflect Pyramid’s wider values?

This day is part of Pyramid International’s wider commitment to community and sustainability initiatives. Whether it’s supporting local projects, planting trees worldwide to contribute to environmental efforts, or working with partners who share similar values, these activities play an important role in how we operate as a business.

And it’s not just about one-off events. It’s about long-term commitment and contribution, and encouraging involvement where it can make a real difference.

How can businesses support local conservation projects?

For businesses considering similar initiatives, the takeaway is simple:

• Local projects often rely on volunteer support

• Even a single day can have a meaningful impact

• It’s an opportunity to engage teams in a different way

• It strengthens connections with the local community

Working with organisations like The Conservation Volunteers makes it easy to get involved and contribute to something tangible.

Looking Ahead

We’re proud to have supported this initiative at Croft Quarry and to have contributed to the ongoing maintenance of an important local space. We look forward to continuing to support community and environmental projects like this and incorporate events like this as a staple in our organisation.

If you’re interested in where you can volunteer, TCV cover various areas across most of the UK. Upcoming events can be found on their website.