CSG backs Bristol nature organisation after successful £49,800 fundraising campaign

20 October 2026 by CSG

A Bristol organisation bringing people together through nature, practical skills and community has raised almost £50,000 following a major fundraising campaign, with waste management specialist CSG among the businesses helping it reach its goal.

The Birch Collective runs free nature-based programmes across Bristol, creating welcoming spaces where people can spend time outdoors, learn practical skills, improve their wellbeing and connect with others.

Its summer Crowdfunder campaign raised £49,800 with the support of 276 people, exceeding its fundraising target and helping The Birch Collective continue providing its programmes free of charge.

Among the organisations backing the campaign was CSG, which donated £600 through its Community Chest scheme.

“We’ve been blown away by the support we’ve received from individuals, businesses and organisations, and we’re incredibly grateful to CSG for being part of that,” said The Birch Collective’s Marketing and Communications Coordinator James Broadley.

“Support like this means we can keep creating free spaces where people can get outdoors, learn practical skills, meet others and feel part of a community.

“What makes the work special is that people are improving their own wellbeing while also actively caring for Bristol’s green spaces. It’s about creating benefits for people, communities and nature at the same time.”

The Birch Collective runs two free weekly programmes.

ReCoupe: Working Woods takes place every Tuesday from 1pm to 4.30pm at Troopers Hill Woods and is open to adults aged 18+. Participants learn practical woodland management and conservation skills including coppicing, hedge laying, tree planting, habitat creation, green woodworking and maintaining paths and woodland areas.

Its Fresh programme runs every Thursday from 1pm to 4.30pm at Strawberry Lane Community Garden for young people aged 16 to 25, combining gardening, conservation, craft, green woodworking, cooking and other practical land-based activities.

In 2025, The Birch Collective worked alongside more than 350 people, with 95 per cent of participants reporting that they had gained new knowledge or skills and 87 per cent making new social connections.

Alongside its community programmes, The Birch Collective also works with businesses through corporate away days, giving teams the chance to step away from the office, spend time together outdoors, support staff wellbeing, learn practical skills and give something back to local green spaces.

CSG helps households and organisations by offering a complete variety of services ranging from domestic waste collection through to treatment, recovery and disposal of countless waste streams.

The company’s long-running Community Chest initiative supports groups and good causes close to its 30 bases across the UK.

Mike George, Transport Manager at CSG Bristol in Avon, said: “We’re pleased to be able to support The Birch Collective and the inspiring work it is doing in our area.

“Since launching Community Chest we have donated thousands of pounds to good causes right across the country. It’s a fantastic way for us to give something back to the communities in which we operate.”

The Birch Collective hopes the success of the campaign will also encourage more Bristol businesses to explore how they can support local communities and green spaces through funding, partnerships, volunteering and team away days.

For more information about The Birch Collective, visit www.thebirchcollective.co.uk