Spurn National Nature Reserve, located on the east coast of Yorkshire, is a unique, wild environment. Stretching three and a half miles into the North Sea, Spurn is a constantly shifting sand and shingle spit, shaped by the powerful tides and winds of the Humber Estuary. Its landscape features dunes, saltmarshes, and mudflats, which support a wide variety of wildlife.
The reserve is managed by the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, an organisation dedicated to protecting and restoring Yorkshire’s wild places. At Spurn, their work is crucial in preserving its fragile ecosystem, as well as enhancing visitors’ understanding of the natural environment. The team includes conservation officers and volunteers, working together to maintain the delicate balance of habitats that support species such as migratory birds and rare plants.
The team are responsible for maintaining the infrastructure of the reserve, such as paths and bird hides, to ensure that visitors can experience the natural beauty of Spurn while minimising disruption to wildlife. They also partake in research and restoration projects, such at the recent restoration of the seagrass beds.
Education is another core focus of the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust team. They run guided tours and school visits, sharing their knowledge of the area’s unique biodiversity. This ensures that the reserve not only remains a haven for wildlife but also becomes a place where people can connect with and learn about the natural world.
Latest Project Updates
Spring 2023 - Autumn 2024
Nine School Trips to Spurn Point Funded
Adam Walsh, CEO of the John Good Group has funded nine primary school trips to Spurn Point, giving around 270 disadvantaged pupils from Hull the chance to explore the local wildlife reserve for free. This initiative was sparked when Adam, during a corporate volunteering day, learned that the cost-of-living crisis had forced many schools to cut back on trips.
John Good Group employees also volunteered their time, with 15 staff members contributing 112 hours to help pupils connect with the natural environment.
Spring 2023
£4,850 of Tools Donated
Ben Norman, Chief Financial Officer of the John Good Group, made a generous donation of £4,850 worth of tools to the Spurn Point Conservation Team. The donation came after he observed the worn condition of the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust’s equipment during a corporate volunteering day.
The new tools and equipment include a specialist scythe mower for cutting down thick undergrowth, powerful battery packs to help the team work out in the field for longer, and a brushcutter for edging walkways.
November 2022
John Good Group Volunteer at Spurn
Six team members from the John Good Group spent a day volunteering at Spurn National Nature Reserve, contributing to both maintenance efforts and a vital environmental initiative.
Adam Walsh, CEO, and Steve Pullen from DAN Shipping joined Spurn’s maintenance team, working on paths and grounds to support the reserve’s upkeep. The pair found it a rewarding opportunity to assist in maintaining the site while learning about Spurn’s rich history and ecological significance.
Meanwhile, a second group from across the company took part in the Seagrass and Blue Carbon Capture project. Indoors, they prepared thousands of seed bags, which will be used to regenerate seagrass meadows along the coast.
The team was proud to contribute to this significant project, and everyone agreed it was a highly rewarding experience. Their efforts left a lasting impression, helping protect one of Yorkshire’s most treasured natural landscapes.