Digging In: Cultivating partnerships, rooted in the Trap Grounds

For the third year running, we swapped our keyboards for spades and headed to the beautiful Trap Grounds in Oxford for our annual volunteer day. It's a tradition we cherish, a chance to step away and support local biodiversity. This year, reflecting on our 2025 theme, 'Making Partnerships Work', we found our efforts mirrored the essence of collaboration.

Our tasks were varied: planting bluebell bulbs, wrestling a Silver Birch from a ditch, tackling invasive Ash seedlings, battling brambles, and clearing historic rubble. It was in these moments, working together towards a shared goal, that the true essence of partnership revealed itself—a powerful reminder that collaboration thrives when hands and hearts work in unison.

Beyond the physical labour, the day underscored how partnerships flourish, including those with nature. At Pineapple Partnerships, we believe that successful partnerships hinge on three key elements: buy-in, behaviours, and benefits. These 'three B's' are the foundation upon which we build all our collaborative efforts, and our day at the Trap Grounds perfectly illustrated their importance.

Buy-in: Rooting for a shared vision

We didn't just dig; we joined Catherine Robinson, Trap Grounds Secretary, for lunch, learning about the changes since our last visit. We even had a guest, Slipper the swan, and learned about the Slow Worm (Anguis fragilis) that earned its Local Wildlife Site status. We understood the long-term goal: cultivating more species.

This mirrors Pineapple's approach: investing time to build consensus. At the Trap Grounds, our shared vision was a flourishing habitat. Our efforts made us stakeholders.

Behaviours: Cultivating trust through open communication

Dragging the Birch required coordination and trust. We communicated effectively, trusting everyone's effort. Similarly, open communication builds trust in partnerships. Sharing experiences strengthens team bonds and communication.

Benefits: A flourishing ecosystem for all

Planting bluebells, removing invasives, and clearing debris contribute to a healthier ecosystem, benefiting wildlife and the community. Successful partnerships meet individual needs and show collective progress. We saw our impact and understood our role in long-term benefits.

Our day at the Trap Grounds reinforced that partnerships need investment, communication, and a shared vision. We witnessed the 'three B's' in action: the buy-in through our shared goal, the positive behaviours through cooperative work, and the tangible benefits to the local environment.

We encourage you to support local biodiversity and experience the rewards of partnership. You might be surprised at what you can achieve together! We're committed to these principles and you can learn more about our impact at https://www.pineapplepartnerships.com/impact.

L-R top to bottom: Some of our Pineapple team in their new hoodies! Accompanied by Donald Dalton, a volunteer with the Trap Grounds. Team tackling the Silver Birch tree. Team walking across the grounds boardwalk. Lunch view with Slipper the swan. Catherine planting a couple of bluebells. Andy and Rupert clipping brambles. Before and after pictures of clipping invasive brambles. Andy demonstrating how to use a tree popper.