Colleagues from our Jersey and Zurich branches recently came together to make a meaningful impact on local ecosystems through inspiring CSR volunteering initiatives.
In Jersey, the UBP team spent their CSR Day at Le Pres Arthur Meadow in Grouville, where they have been volunteering for seven years. Armed with rakes and enthusiasm, they cleared the grass to help preserve the meadow as a thriving habitat for wildlife. The day fostered teamwork and a shared commitment to environmental sustainability, leaving participants with a sense of purpose and camaraderie.
‘I’ve been volunteering at the meadow for seven years and I love seeing the improvement in the meadow’s biodiversity. It’s a space that’s available to the local community and it’s good to know that the work we do means that they can enjoy it.’
Zoe Hare, Senior Credit Officer, Jersey
Meanwhile, in Zurich, volunteers transformed the Wehrenbach gardens at Balgrist into a conservation area for rare and protected species, including yellow-bellied toads, smooth newts, wild bees, and hedgehogs. Guided by Verein Naturnetz, the team built hedges for birds, and reptile hotels from recycled tiles, and dug small ponds for amphibians.They also cleared hand-mowed grass for composting, which taught them about the importance of these efforts in supporting endangered species.
The activity was not only physically engaging but also highly educational. Participants discovered fascinating facts, such as how small amphibians prefer smaller ponds to avoid predators like dragonflies, which thrive in larger ponds. The event also highlighted simple ways to support biodiversity at home, such as planting native flowers, building rock structures for lizards, or opting for manual grass mowing to protect insects and small animals.
‘It was an excellent experience to volunteer for a physically engaging activity, and we learned new and surprising things about nature and biodiversity. We also had fun interacting with colleagues new and old from different units, as we all pitched in to create a biodiverse world.’
Hansruedi Huber, Senior Client Partner, Zurich
These initiatives highlight UBP’s commitment to giving back to nature and fostering a culture of collaboration and environmental stewardship.
