Biodiversity boost at National Star

Almost 60 volunteers from three local businesses dug deep to help National Star to install new hedgerows at its Ullenwood campus.

Twenty-eight volunteers from construction company Galliford Try, who are the early works contractor on Gloucestershire County Council’s M5 Junction 10 Improvements Scheme, devoted two full days to the tree planting initiative as part of its commitment to give something back to the local community in Gloucestershire.

Twelve Management Consultants from PA Consulting left their desks behind and battled with the wind and rain to also plant hedgerows on campus, creating new wildlife corridors for the scores of birds, insects and mammals that live at the specialist college.

Engineering company Ultra PCS supported the project, with twenty people from the Cheltenham-based business rolling up their sleeves to plant and stake saplings.

Almost 5,000 saplings, provided by Gloucestershire County Council, were planted within just four days, to support the council’s ambitions to protect the environment and make Gloucestershire greener and more attractive.

Saplings planted as part of the project included field maple, hazel, blackthorn, hawthorn and crab apple.

Students and staff at National Star also participated in the tree planting initiative, developing their fine motor skills and teamwork in the process.

Volunteers were keen to learn about the work of the charity, meeting students during a tour of the college campus.

One Galliford Try volunteer, Warren said: ‘I got more out of this volunteering opportunity than the charity I was supporting. I didn’t know places like this existed before today.’

PA Consulting’s volunteer Richard Storer said: ‘The team really seemed to enjoy the day, getting ‘stuck in’, despite the weather, and having that number of saplings planted in a day was a really satisfying outcome. You have a willing team for future planting!’

Ultra PCS Communications and Marketing Leader Aimee Eeles agreed. She said: ‘The team from Ultra PCS has had a really rewarding day at National Star. The beautiful surroundings coupled with learning about the fantastic work that the college does, has made the day one to remember.

‘Well done to the team for the hard work in the cold and thanks to National Star for giving us the opportunity to play our small part. Here’s hoping the newly planted saplings grow strong and live long.’

Elaine Hodgin, Head of Sustainability at National Star, said: ‘The efforts of all the volunteers was phenomenal. I was impressed, not only by their amazing work ethic, but by their genuine interest in our work with young adults with disabilities.’

Councillor Julian Tooke, Gloucestershire County Council Cabinet Member for Business, Economic Development, Planning and Infrastructure, said: ‘We’re proud to provide National Star with nearly 5,000 saplings for new hedgerows at their Ullenwood campus. This is part of the social value work linked to the M5 Junction 10 Improvements Scheme, showing how big projects can bring real benefits for local communities and the environment.’

National Star is a Platinum level Hedgehog Friendly Campus and has recently been accepted on a national two-year pilot project to improve biodiversity at educational institutions.

Students at the college were also named Green Award winners in this year’s BBC Radio Gloucestershire’s Make a Difference Awards 2025.