Every Friday morning, three Wells colleagues swap the kitchen for the countryside — trimming hedges, clearing paths and litter-picking along the Strawberry Line.

Gerald Dube, Nicholas Muridzi and Wisdom Logozo, all employees at Charlie Bigham's Dulcote Quarry site, have been volunteering on the greenway for the past year. Their work has helped restore and maintain a much-loved section of the former railway, now a traffic-free path through the Mendips.

The initiative is part of Charlie Bigham's volunteering programme, which encourages staff to support local communities. But for Gerald, Nicholas and Wisdom, it has become more than just a project — it's friendship, fitness and giving something back.

"I thought it would be a good opportunity to get out there, meet new people and do something useful," said Gerald, 42, who moved to Somerset from Zimbabwe with his family. "The company told us about the Strawberry Line needing maintenance – cutting bushes, keeping it clean – so I put my name down."

The trio spend four hours every Friday cutting back overgrowth, raking and clearing litter — and uniquely, their time is still paid by the company. "It's a real sign of appreciation," Gerald added.

Wisdom, 31, originally from Ghana, said: "It's all about fresh air and fun. It's physical exercise, but good for the mind too. I love the wildlife — the squirrels and rabbits just look at you, curious."

Nicholas, 49, also from Zimbabwe, agreed: "It's relaxing, it clears your head. You talk, you laugh. It's not just work – it's a social thing."

The Strawberry Line Society coordinates volunteers across the route, which runs around 10 miles through the Mendips, linking Yatton, Cheddar, Shepton Mallet and Wells. The long-term vision is a continuous, traffic-free trail from coast to countryside.

Charlie Bigham, founder of the food brand, said volunteering had become a central part of the business. "We're incredibly proud of our team here at Charlie Bigham's. Volunteering generates a buzz and an uplifting sense of connection. Our long-term ambition is to be a beacon business, inspiring others to have a positive impact on people's lives and the planet."

In 2024 alone, employees across the business dedicated almost 4,500 hours to charity partners. The company has pledged 10,000 volunteering hours by 2027, alongside donating 2.5% of profits after tax to community causes through its Giving Back Fund.

Pamela Schmid, People Director at Charlie Bigham's, added: "At Bigham's, we aim to do business in a better way — making delicious food, building a business people love to work in, and contributing to a more sustainable world. That includes supporting the community we're part of."

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• Wells City Council seeks a new Town Crier to boost civic spirit — Could you be the voice of Wells? Applications are now open for the historic ceremonial role. Read more here.
• Wells Cathedral's Carols by Candlelight concerts announced for Christmas 2025 — The city's most atmospheric festive tradition will return this December. Read more here.

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