A few times a year, we get the chance to step away from our day-to-day work and spend time doing something different as a team. In December, that meant pulling on our wellies, swapping keyboards for wheelbarrows, and heading to Lindengate for a series of corporate volunteering days. 

Meet Lindengate 

Lindengate is a mental health charity supporting children and adults through nature-based activities – helping people build confidence, resilience and life skills through connection, community and time outdoors. 

With mental health challenges affecting so many people across the UK, early and sustained support matters. Lindengate supports people experiencing low to moderate mental health issues, alongside clinical services, and creates a welcoming space where people can feel grounded, connected and more like themselves again. They also run programmes like Memory Pathways for people living with dementia and their carers, plus courses for young people that build confidence, skills and employability. 

Their six-acre site was once a neglected allotment. It is now a thriving sanctuary of gardens, ponds, woodland, a heritage orchard, quiet nooks and spaces built for reflection. It’s powered by a small team and an incredible volunteer community – more than 150 volunteers, with over 100 regular volunteers each week. 

Our to-do list 

Each day started with tea, coffee, biscuits and a warm welcome. Jenny (their Volunteers and Digital Comms Coordinator) talked us through what Lindengate does, who it supports, and why the work matters – then gave us a safety briefing and pointed us in the right direction. 

After that, it was straight into: 

• Shifting soil and woodchip around the gardens 

• Helping with landscaping around the firepit area 

• Re-staking young trees in the heritage orchard to protect them and help them grow properly

The orchard work felt especially worthwhile. It’s full of native fruit trees that are increasingly rare locally, and the fruit helps Lindengate create products like jams and chutneys to support fundraising. And because the work is so hands-on and physically demanding, having a corporate team come in to tackle the heavier jobs can be a huge help. 

In their words: 

“We were delighted to host teams from Differentiated for a series of corporate volunteering days at Lindengate. Their hands-on support brought real energy and practical, meaningful impact. By stepping away from screens and joining our volunteer community, they’ve helped nurture this special space that supports mental and physical wellbeing through nature and connection. We’re incredibly grateful to Differentiated for bringing so much enthusiasm, fun and positive attitudes.” 

A few takeaways from the day  

• Jon said it quickly became “less about the trees and more about the impact” – and a real reminder of why the community side of being a B Corp matters. 

• Lia shared that it was great to make a difference for a really worthy cause and have a good team-bonding day. 

• Aaron loved having the chance to do something physical, relax a bit more as a team and get that real sense of fulfilment. 

• Matt was especially inspired by learning more about the SEND and alternative provision work Lindengate supports. 

• Jess said she loved being outdoors, having a laugh as a team, and seeing first-hand how nature and community can support wellbeing. 

• Lenka said it was a humbling experience to learn more about the charity’s mission – and she was glad we could help create a space that feels calm, safe and genuinely supportive for the people who use it. 

This is more than just volunteering for us 

As a B Corp, we care about what we put into the world through our work – but we also care about how we show up outside of it. Days like this give you perspective. It’s good for the team, good for wellbeing, and honestly just a nice reminder that doing something small can still be meaningful. 

A huge thank you 

Big thanks to Jenny and everyone at Lindengate for having us (the yurt, biscuits and log fire didn’t hurt either). 

If you’re local and you’re able to support them – by visiting, donating or volunteering – Lindengate is well worth a look. It’s a special place doing important work. 

If you’d like to learn more about Lindengate, you can find them at their website here – https://www.lindengate.org.uk/.