Braving a rainy forecast, the Munich RE London team came out in force to New Cross Gate Cutting with GreenTheUK and The London Wildlife Trust to help maintain a protected green space. With an expected rainstorm in the afternoon, the Munich RE dove right into a variety of conservation activities.

Splitting into multiple groups, some members from Munich RE began clearing a south-facing hillside. By pulling back weeds and exposing the soil with mattocks, a clearing for wildflowers to grow was created. It will be an important habitat in springtime, providing food and sunning-space for a variety of insects and other small species.

Across the grassy field, another group from Munich RE was removing overgrown brambles and plant material that was growing through the fence of the greenspace. The brambles were a tripping hazard for passersby, and by cleaning up the boundary, Munich RE helped make a protected site look much neater for upcoming community events.

A third team was hard at work in the woods, clearing large swaths of overgrown brambles and young sycamore trees which were crowding out the forest floor, preventing other species from taking root. After hours of work with rakes, shears, and saws, the team was able to transplant young hazel saplings from another part of the woodland to the newly-cleared areas, giving them room to grow and thrive, benefiting a variety of wildlife.

Munich RE made a huge impact at New Cross Gate Cutting to improve habitats for local wildlife, and helped maintain the site for the local community, working hard despite the heavy rainstorm that rolled in during the afternoon.