By Niel Nicholson As a company, Nicholsons are very keen to support charity and have 3 main focuses. Local educational support of deprived schools to help build forest schools. Supporting staff with individual charitable projects. And lastly to be involved with tree planting in Africa to combat deforestation and help climate change. 18 months ago I went out to visit a private project I was involved with in Kenya, where we were trying to support the Read more »

We recently received a letter from our neighbours at Deddington Primary School, asking for a bit of help with their vegetable garden, which had become tired over the years. The garden had become uninspiring and was falling to bits, meaning the children could no longer safely work in the area. At Nicholsons, we are very passionate about getting children involved in gardening and the outdoors from a young age, so we offered our voluntary services Read more »

In recent years Nicholsons have concentrated their charitable efforts towards the Rafiki Thabo foundation which supports students through tertiary education. However, we felt that we could additionally use our own knowledge and expertise within the ecological business to benefit others on a more personal level. After much in-depth research into existing charities and foundations, we could not find the perfect solution. However, we did meet a business partner with similar charitable aims and objectives, and Read more »

Gardening is an immensely satisfying activity. Nothing beats watching your plants grow and flourish. Not only that, but gardening can be good exercise too. In order to reach the maximum amount of benefits from gardening, here's a few safety tips to ensure you get the most from the activity. Protection is Key When you're working outdoors, it is important to keep yourself covered from the sun. Try and wear long sleeves if possible, alternatively cover up with Read more »

There is so much beauty in the nature surrounding us in Oxfordshire, that of course as a parent you want your children to experience it all. Studies even show that connecting kids to nature early on is beneficial for them as well! When it comes to children and the great outdoors, it’s never too early to get them familiar with the wonders that await them. Here in Oxfordshire that includes rivers, deer parks, and lush green meadows. By Read more »

Holt Copse Conservation Volunteers (HCCV) manage Holt Copse, a 7 acre wood in Wokingham on behalf of the town council. The group was formed in 1999 by local residents who were concerned that the wood had been neglected and become overgrown with holly. Being evergreen this made the wood dark suppressing the herbaceous flora like bluebells and wood anemones that previously had thrived. Checking bird nest boxes Over the years HCCV have put up almost 40 Read more »

This week we are participating in the Jack FM Radiothon, taking place at Helen & Douglas. The aim of the event is simple, raise money for Helen & Douglas House through 'over the phone', online and text message donations The Radiothon will run on Jack FM from 7am-7pm Thursday 2nd, Friday 3rd and Saturday 4th 7am until midday. What we are doing to help Throughout the duration of the event (Thursday 2nd - Saturday Read more »

Alarms sounded at precisely 5am on Friday morning. Outside, the sun was already starting to rise and gradually, as we all began to wake, a buzz of excitement filled the air – today was Safari day! Peter, our driver and tour guide, arrived soon after breakfast and we all piled into the mini-van to bump down the school track, through the town of Voi and out the other side to the gates of the Tsavo East National Read more »

Kenyan hopes and dreams… As the others cracked on with more bricklaying, I went to teach some final English lessons. ‘Future tense’ as my given topic seemed a perfect opportunity to tap into these amazingly hardworking students’ hopes and dreams (They’re at school from 5am-10.30pm each day!). Shy at first, their confidence grew…engineering, helping the needy, becoming a famous African DJ, deep sea diving, teaching Swahili to all American and English people, and eating lots of cake Read more »