SSE launched a military operation to revamp historic Hilsea Lines and restore the miles of paths winding through the conservation area.
More than 150 staff were mobilised to support the maintenance work, upgrading pathways, felling trees and clearing debris.
The 80 hectare former military base was initially built in the 18th century to protect the area from invaders but has been developed many times over the years.
It was awarded conservation status in 1994 and relies on local volunteers to support the countryside ranger service for upkeep.
Scott Patterson, IT Team Leader at SSE, was instrumental in marshalling the company’s workforce to get behind the initiative.
He said: “I’ve been volunteering in the Portsmouth vicinity for years and Hilsea Lines was an area I’d never come across so I thought this would be a great opportunity to get lots of people involved and make a difference to a local landmark.
“We originally had 25 staff signed up for one day but it quickly turned into more than 150 from different departments working from June to November. It was great to help such an important historic site but it also helped teams bond and develop new skills too.”
SSE commits 20,000 work days each year to volunteering throughout the UK with employees chosing local projects important to them.
Peter Roberts, Countryside Ranger, said the support from SSE has been invaluable.
He said: “The teams from SSE have carried out sterling work at the Hilsea Lines. From laying paths for disabled access and woodland management, to improving the ecology for the local wildlife, they have carried out a wealth of work. I have received lots of positive comments from visitors to the site since SSE started which shows the impact the company volunteers have made on Hilsea Lines.
“On a personal note it was fantastic to work with the SSE teams and I’m looking forward to welcoming them back.”
SSE staff members have already completed over 4,600 Community at Heart days across more than 450 projects since April this year and continue to assist and reach out to local communities across the UK and Ireland.
For any other projects in the UK that you think that SSE may be able to lend a hand with visit www.sse.com/Community