In all, they gave 94 man-hours – all on a voluntary basis – to work at Roundball Wood, which is managed by a small group of voluntary wardens with the help and support of Honiton Town Council.

Staff at the newly-built Premier Inn in Honiton spent a day working at Roundball Wood as part of their commitment to working with and supporting local people.

As part of the training, employees have to contribute to a community project.

In all, they gave 94 man-hours – all on a voluntary basis – to work at the community woodland and nature reserve, which is managed by a small group of voluntary wardens, with the help and support of Honiton Town Council.

The voluntary workers helped clear overgrowth – letting more light in to help bluebells grow – and tidied and repaired paths and handrails.

They also cleared steps of sodden and slippery leaves and debris, and carried out general coppicing work.

Shelly Baker, operations manager at Premier Inn, said: “As a company, we are committed to working with the local community and helping our local area.

“We all really enjoyed the day and were pleased that we were able to make such an impact on this wonderful woodland area in Honiton and look forward to returning with some of our team later in the year.”

Roundball Wood is situated on the northern slope of Roundball Hill and offers panoramic views across Honiton, the Otter Valley and the Blackdown Hills.

The wood is centuries old and although in its long history it has been used for grazing cattle, its boundaries have not changed. As a result, the wood is in its natural state described as ‘semi-ancient’ woodland.

Honiton Town Council said it would like to thank Shelley and her staff at Premier Inn and wardens Nick Boggon, Vernon Whitlock and Dave Witt for the ‘amazing work’ they achieved on the day, and helping to improve the woods for locals to enjoy.