Cultivating a Greener Future

At Catnic, our commitment to sustainability goes beyond policies, it's brought to life by the passion and dedication of our colleagues. Thanks to our incredible Biodiversity Team: Vanessa, Helen, Kira, Lee, and a few other green-fingered volunteers, who are transforming our surroundings, one plant at a time.

Meeting every other month, this enthusiastic team meticulously plans their contributions to our local ecosystems. Thanks to Lee, who secured a modest yet mighty £250 budget, their initiatives prove that significant impact doesn't always require significant spend. Every penny is being invested wisely, focusing on high-impact, low-cost solutions.

Their journey began in early March, with Helen and Vanessa embarking on a mission to B&Q. Armed with compost and a variety of seeds, they brought their botanical treasures home, turning windowsills into mini-nurseries. With tender care, they nurtured seedlings of Sunflowers, Salvia, Calendula, Daisy, Lupins, Verbena, Coreopsis, Foxgloves, and Dill, preparing them for their new outdoor homes.

The spirit of contribution didn’t stop there. Helen arrived with vibrant lavender, lupins, and foxgloves from her own garden, while Louise kindly donated several aquilegias. Vanessa’s Acer, in need of a new home, also found its place among the growing collection. The colleagues then took the time to carefully pot on the young seedlings, nurturing them until they were strong enough to be hardened off and planted out across the site.

Then came the hard work, and the real teamwork! Several Fridays after work saw Helen, Kira, and Vanessa diligently planting out the growing flora in front of the office. Despite challenging soil, riddled with stones and large roots, their perseverance paid off, creating a budding landscape. Even lunch breaks became an opportunity for planting, with sweet peas sown in the car park, set to climb the wire fence and add a splash of colour. Ingenuity was also key, as old bins were repurposed into additional seed-sowing stations.

Our community's generosity has also played a crucial role. Emily’s nan kindly donated a water butt, a compost bin, and extra seed trays – essential tools for sustainable gardening. Looking ahead, the team plans to acquire a small shed to house their tools and install guttering to harvest rainwater, further enhancing their eco-friendly practices.