Atos and the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs arrived at Hockeridge and Pancake Wood for a fantastic day of conservation, delivered in partnership with the Royal Forestry Society.

With the heatwave behind us and the sun still shining, the day began with a guided tour of the ancient woodland, where volunteers discovered the rich history of the site, learned about its diverse tree species and explored the importance of protecting this unique habitat for future generations.

In the afternoon, the team rolled up their sleeves to build a hibernacula for newts and other amphibians. Using natural materials including logs, stones and soil, these simple but vital shelters will provide safe, insulated habitats where amphibians and other species can survive the colder months.

The day also included a special moment as the team buried a time capsule to celebrate the retirement of Atos’ Chris, recognising the lasting impact he has made across the Defra account and Atos throughout his career.

It was a brilliant day of learning, collaboration and practical conservation. By bringing people together to care for nature, partnerships like this demonstrate how collective action can strengthen biodiversity while building meaningful connections between colleagues.

Thank you to everyone from Atos and Defra for your enthusiasm and hard work.