In January, we did something that felt completely off brand. We cut down trees.

Yes. Really.

At first glance, a company that helps businesses reuse boxes turning up to a woodland with axes might sound like a contradiction. But sustainability is rarely that simple. Sometimes, doing the right thing for the planet looks very different to what people expect.

We spent the day at Hill Holt Wood in Norton Disney, near Lincoln, taking part in their Balancing Nature project. This is a long-term heathland restoration initiative focused on restoring Norton Big Wood and creating a more diverse, resilient ecosystem.

What is the Balancing Nature Project?

Over time, areas of the woodland have become too dense, reducing light levels and limiting the variety of plants and wildlife able to thrive. The Balancing Nature project exists to reverse that, carefully reintroducing traditional woodland management techniques that support biodiversity rather than suppress it.

The project is about balance. By selectively thinning trees, coppicing native species and managing the land with intention, Hill Holt Wood is encouraging a richer mix of habitats. More light on the woodland floor allows wildflowers, grasses and shrubs to return. That in turn supports insects, birds and mammals, creating healthier food chains and a more robust natural environment. It is slow, hands-on work, but it delivers long-term impact.

What did the day look like?

One of our first tasks was woodland thinning. This involved removing smaller or weaker trees to give larger, healthier ones the space they need to thrive. Opening up the canopy allows sunlight to reach the forest floor, which is essential for supporting biodiversity. It is a carefully considered process, guided by ecological knowledge, not random tree removal.

It also meant getting hands on with some very intimidating looking axes.

Later in the day, we took part in coppicing hazel trees. Coppicing is a traditional method where trees are cut back to ground level to stimulate strong, healthy regrowth. Hazel responds particularly well to this approach and provides valuable habitats for wildlife as it regenerates. To protect the newly cut stumps from browsing animals, we built a dead hedge around them using fallen branches, creating both protection and additional habitats for insects and small mammals.

Nothing went to waste. Everything had a purpose.

So why did we get involved?

At Reuseabox, sustainability is about long-term thinking and understanding systems, whether that is packaging supply chains or natural ecosystems. Just as reducing and reusing packaging often has a bigger impact than recycling alone, protecting nature sometimes requires informed intervention rather than leaving things untouched.

Volunteering on the Balancing Nature project gave us the chance to support biodiversity locally, learn from experts and take meaningful action beyond our day-to-day roles.

The project runs on alternate Mondays and is open to everyone, no experience required. If you are interested in conservation, biodiversity or simply getting outside to do something that genuinely makes a difference, it is well worth getting involved.