Protecting Nature at Home: Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines Supports Local Wildlife

Staff volunteers help care for Trimley Marshes Nature Reserve with Suffolk Wildlife Trust

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines is proving that meaningful journeys don’t always require a ship, sometimes, they start right at home.

Members of the cruise line’s shore-side team recently spent the day volunteering at Trimley Marshes Nature Reserve, taking part in conservation activities alongside Suffolk Wildlife Trust. The visit formed part of a Trust-led “Wild Work Day,” designed to support and protect some of Suffolk’s most valuable wildlife habitats.

During the session, the team focused on clearing litter from walking paths and wetland areas across the reserve. By the end of the day, they had collected a total of 18.7kg of litter, helping to improve the quality of the habitat and create a cleaner, safer environment for both wildlife and visitors.

The initiative reflects Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ ongoing commitment to sustainability and community engagement, supporting local organisations and contributing to the care of natural spaces close to home.

Suffolk Wildlife Trust manages more than 7,100 acres of wild places across 50 nature reserves throughout the county, protecting a diverse range of landscapes from coastal habitats to ancient woodland. Volunteer support plays a vital role in maintaining these areas and ensuring conservation efforts continue to make a positive impact.

Fred. Olsen cruise line volunteer with Suffolk Wildlife Trust

Julie Long, Partnerships Manager at Suffolk Wildlife Trust, highlighted the importance of volunteer involvement, explaining that Wild Work Days provide hands-on opportunities to protect and restore Suffolk’s wildlife while helping to build a stronger connection with nature. She noted that volunteer support is essential to achieving the Trust’s vision for a wilder, more resilient Suffolk.

Dominic Simpson, Sustainability Manager at Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, said the team thoroughly enjoyed the day and valued the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the local environment. He added that the cruise line looks forward to continuing to involve colleagues, both onboard and ashore, in initiatives that support sustainability and make a genuine difference.

The volunteering day forms part of Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines’ wider community engagement programme, which focuses on building local partnerships and supporting initiatives aligned with the company’s long-term sustainability goals, showing that caring for the world we explore starts with caring for the places we call home.