Derbyshire Projects

Garden Action Day
Where? Swanwick
When? 11 April 2003
What's it about? We will be having a gardening day at the school. We hope to involve the children and volunteer parents. It is our aim to clear and tidy the garden area and purchase and plant a nature tree in order to provide shade.
Where's it happening? Swanwick Primary School, South Street, Swanwick
What will volunteers do? Clear weds and tidy beds and plant areas. Plant mature trees to provide shade. Replace shrubs if necessary.
What to wear/bring: Wellies, spade, fork, rakes, gloves, shovels and stamina!
What will be provided: Refreshments, plants, trees, composts
Is there wheelchair access to the site?
Any restrictions? No pets, the children and parents will provide a possible 400+ bodies.
How many NEW volunteers required? none
Press/Media Contact: Sally Foster (01773 604 591)
Organised by: Friends of Swanwick Primary School
REF E435

Completed Projects

Making Our Churchyard More Beautiful
Where? Alfreston
When? Monday 7th April 2003
What's it about? Together with children and headmistress from infant school next door, we will plant different shrubs in our churchyard.
Where's it happening? Parish Church of St Thomas Apostle and Martyr, Nottingham Road, Somercotes, Alfreston
What will volunteers do? Children will put shrubs into holes and firm them round.
What to wear/bring: Wellingtons and suitable clothing.
What will be provided: Shrubs, spade.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? Preferably no dogs.
How many NEW volunteers required?
Press/Media Contact: Granville Stone (01773 541994)
Organised by: Parish Church of St Thomas Apostle & Martyr in Somercotes
REF E341

Join in Jamboree
Where? Ashbourne
When? 3rd, 4th & 5th January 2003
What's it about? The World Jamboree will be planting trees in Thailand over Christmas/New Year. We would like to plant trees in Ashbourne on our Join in Jamboree weekend to join in the effort.
Where's it happening? Recreation Ground, Ashbourne
What will volunteers do? Prepare ground and plant trees, supported by stakes, ties and guards.
What to wear/bring: Outdoor clothing.
What will be provided: Trees, stakes, guards, spades etc. Leafmould to help trees establish themselves.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? No
Any restrictions? Volunteers will be members of the Join in Jamboree weekend.
How many NEW volunteers required?
Press/Media Contact: J Mark Bell (01335 347915/348464)
Organised by: 1st Derbyshire Dales Scout Group
Email: gsl@cyberscouts.fsnet.co.uk
REF E203

Belper School Environmental Action Team
Where? Belper
When? Friday 24th & Friday 31st January 2003
What's it about? A group of 15 students have been working in a Derbyshire Wildlife Trust reserve learning practical conservation skills. We will work with them on an area behind the school, using those skills to make the area safe and attractive for a local primary school to use.
Where's it happening? Belper School, Kilbourne Road, Belper
What will volunteers do? Supervise safe use of the tools. Students will use bowsaw & loppers to clear scrub. Volunteers will also help clear paths/ tidy the area/ remove vegetation after clearing is completed.
What to wear/bring: Warm, waterproof clothing & wellies.
What will be provided: Work gloves, tools, first aid kit.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? No
Any restrictions? All volunteers must be checked by the school to satisfy LEA requirements.
How many NEW volunteers required? 2 parents from primary school
Volunteer Contact: Carole Hockey (01773 881188)
Press/Media Contact: Carole Hockey (01773 881188(day), 01773 880329(eve))
Organised by: Derbyshire Wildlife Trust
REF E185

Carr Vale Clean Up
Where? Bolsover
When? 10th January 2003
What's it about? A group of children from Potterton Primary School will visit the reserve, help restore a small area of wetland and clear paths. They will then make posters to encourage responsible dog walking on the reserve (a haven for birds).
Where's it happening? Carr Vale Flash, Bolsover
What will volunteers do? Volunteers will supervise the children during the practical work (removing scrub to enhance wetlands). They will also accompany the children on a fact-finding walk to discover what are the issues around having dogs on a nature reserve.
What to wear/bring: Warm, waterproof clothing (preferably old). Wellies. Possibly a warm drink.
What will be provided: Work gloves, tools (loppers). First aid kit.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? No
Any restrictions? Volunteers must be checked through the school to satisfy LEA regulations. We will primarily be trying to encourage volunteers whose children are at the school.
How many NEW volunteers required?
Press/Media Contact: Clare Hockey (01773 881188(day), 01773 880329(eve))
Organised by: Derbyshire Wildlife Trust
REF E186

Hedgelaying at Goldenbrook Nature Reserve
Where? Breaston
When? Thursday 20th February 2003
What's it about? Working with volunteers to lay an overgrown hedge. This will rejuvenate it by encouraging new growth from the base, thus providing important microhabitats.
Where's it happening? Goldenbrook Lagoon (grid ref: SK470333), Breaston
What will volunteers do? Volunteers will prepare and lay a hedge using traditional handtools. Full instruction and training will be given.
What to wear/bring: Lunch. Wear old, warm clothes and stout footwear. Bring a waterproof.
What will be provided: Transport to the site from Wirksworth (8.45), Belper (9.10) and Derby (9.45) and back. All instruction, tools and PPE. Hot drinks and biscuits.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? No
Any restrictions? Must be over 16 years. No upper age limit! Volunteers work at their own pace. No pets please.
How many NEW volunteers required? 6
Volunteer Contact: Julia Gow (01629 825317)
Press/Media Contact: Julia Gow (01629 825317)
Organised by: BTCV Derbyshire
Email: Derbyshire@btcv.org.uk
REF E181

Rhododendron Clearance at Ogston
Where? Clay Cross
When? Tuesday 7th & 14th, Thursday 9th & 16th January 2003
What's it about? Working with volunteers to clear invasive rhododendron from around Ogston Reservoir in order to encourage a variety of native plants to grow instead.
Where's it happening? Ogston Reservoir (Grid ref: SK373594), Clay Cross
What will volunteers do? Volunteers will be clearing rhododendron using traditional hand tools and will receive full training.
What to wear/bring: Lunch. Old, warm clothes, a waterproof and stout footwear.
What will be provided: Transport to the site from Wirksworth (8.45), Belper (9.10) and Derby (9.45) and back. All instruction, tools and PPE (personal protective equipment). Hot drinks and biscuits.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? No
Any restrictions? Volunteers must be over 16 years, no upper age limit! Volunteers work at their own pace. No pets please.
How many NEW volunteers required? 6
Volunteer Contact: Julia Gow (01629 825317)
Press/Media Contact: Julia Gow (01629 825317)
Organised by: BTCV Derbyshire
Email: Derbyshire@btcv.org.uk
REF E177

Cromford Persuaders
Where? Cromford
When? 16th January 2003
What's it about? A class of children from Cromford Primary School will walk around the Rose End Meadows Nature Reserve highlighting where dog mess has been left. An adult will 'mark it' with a red flag on which the words 'Please take your mess home with you' are written. The children will then design and produce posters encouraging responsible ownership. A rota (of children and an adult) will be set up to replace posters as and when necessary.
Where's it happening? Rose End Meadows Nature Reserve / Cromford Primary School, Cromford
What will volunteers do? Volunteers (adults) will supervise children, making sure they don't come to any harm and helping them identify the problem. They will then go on a rota of people who check the posters, replacing them as necessary.
What to wear/bring: Warm, waterproof clothing. Wellies.
What will be provided: Gloves for adults (placing flags).
Is there wheelchair access to the site? No
Any restrictions? All volunteers will need to be checked through the school to satisfy legal requirements.
How many NEW volunteers required?
Press/Media Contact: Carole Hockey (01773 881188(day), 01773 880329(eve))
Organised by: Derbyshire Wildlife Trust
REF E184

Footpath Construction at Cromford
Where? Cromford
When? Tuesday 18th February 2003
What's it about? Working with volunteers to improve access by constructing a footpath.
Where's it happening? Cromford Hill (Grid Ref: SK288569), Cromford
What will volunteers do? Prepare the ground and lay a footpath. Full instruction will be given.
What to wear/bring: Lunch. Wear old, warm clothes and stout footwear and bring a waterproof.
What will be provided: Transport to the site from Wirksworth (8.45), Belper (9.10) and Derby (9.45) and back. All instruction, tools and PPE. Hot drinks and biscuits.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? No
Any restrictions? Must be over 16 years. No upper age limit! Volunteers work at their own pace. No pets please.
How many NEW volunteers required? 6
Volunteer Contact: Julia Gow (01629 825317)
Press/Media Contact: Julia Gow (01629 825317)
Organised by: BTCV Derbyshire
Email: Derbyshire@btcv.org.uk
REF E180

Transplanting Oaks at Chaddesden Wood
Where? Derby
When? Tuesday 28th January 2003
What's it about? Working with volunteers to transplant oak seedlings from one area in the wood where they are overcrowded to another.
Where's it happening? Chaddesden Wood, Chaddesden, Derby
What will volunteers do? Volunteers will dig up oak seedlings from an area in the wood where they are overcrowded and replant them in an area where there are none, thus ensuring the regeneration of the woodland.
What to wear/bring: Lunch; old, warm clothes and stout footwear. Bring a waterproof.
What will be provided: Transport to the site from Wirksworth (8.45), Belper (9.10) and Derby (9.45) and back. All instruction, tools and PPE (Personal protective equipment). Hot drinks and biscuits.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? No
Any restrictions? 16 years+. No upper age limit! Volunteers work at their own pace. No pets please.
How many NEW volunteers required? 6
Volunteer Contact: Julia Gow (01629 825317)
Press/Media Contact: Julia Gow (01629 825317)
Organised by: BTCV Derbyshire
Email: Derbyshire@btcv.org.uk
REF E178

Hedgelaying at Morley
Where? Derby
When? Thursday 30th January & Tuesday 4th February 2003
What's it about? Working with volunteers to lay an overgrown hedge. Laying rejuvenates a hedge by encouraging new growth from the base.
Where's it happening? Morley Brickyards Nature Reserve (Grid ref: SK389418), Morley, Derby
What will volunteers do? Volunteers will prepare and lay a hedge using the traditional hand tools. Full instruction and training will be given.
What to wear/bring: Lunch. Old, warm clothes and stout footwear. Bring a waterproof.
What will be provided: Transport to the site from Wirksworth (8.45), Belper (9.10) and Belper (9.45) and back. All instruction, tools and PPE. Hot drinks and biscuits.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? No
Any restrictions? 16 years plus. No upper age limit! Volunteers work at their own pace. No pets please.
How many NEW volunteers required? 6
Volunteer Contact: Julia Gow (01629 825317)
Press/Media Contact: Julia Gow (01629 825317)
Organised by: BTCV Derbyshire
Email: Derbyshire@btcv.org.uk
REF E179

Hilton Pathways
Where? Derby nr
When? 11/02/03
What's it about? A group of students (yr11) from our school will spend a day working on a Derbyshire Wildlife Trust SSSI to make an existing path safer and more accessible for the general public and wheelchair users.
Where's it happening? Hilton Gravel Pits Neture Reserve (SSSI), Near Hilton Village, Derby nr
What will volunteers do? Attach chickenwire to existing boardwalk to make it non-slip. Also construct handles.
What to wear/bring: Stout Shoes, warm and waterproof clothing, drinks
What will be provided: Gloves, lunch, tools, materials
Is there wheelchair access to the site? No
Any restrictions? Adults supervising the students need to have undergone disclosure.
How many NEW volunteers required? none
Press/Media Contact: Martin Wedgewood (01889 561 820)
Organised by: Thomas Alleynes High School
REF E331

Hilton Persuaders
Where? Hilton
When? Monday 27th January 2003
What's it about? A class of children from Findern Primary School will visit Hilton Gravel Pits - a Derbyshire Wildlife Trust reserve. They will clear scrub from the entrance area then design and produce some posters encouraging dog owners not to leave dog mess!
Where's it happening? Hilton Gravel Pits (Grid Ref: SK249315), Hilton
What will volunteers do? Adult volunteers will supervise the children during the practical work ensuring safe use of tools.
What to wear/bring: Warm, waterproof clothing & wellies.
What will be provided: Work gloves, tools (loppers), first aid kit.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? No
Any restrictions? Volunteers must be checked through the school to satisfy LEA requirements. We will be looking for school volunteers.
How many NEW volunteers required?
Press/Media Contact: Carole Hockey (01773 881188(day), 01773 880329(eve))
Organised by: Derbyshire Wildlife Trust
REF E188

Hilton Clearance Crew
Where? Hilton
When? 30th January 2003
What's it about? 2 classes of children from Hilton Primary School will work to clear scrub from a valuable wetland site. This site is an important habitat for southern marsh orchids and various types of dragon and damsel flies. The site is rapidly being overgrown with willow.
Where's it happening? Hilton Gravel Pits SSSI, Hilton
What will volunteers do? Supervise groups of children, ensuring that they use the tools correctly. Volunteers will also help escorting the children back to school.
What to wear/bring: Warm, waterproof clothing. Wellies.
What will be provided: Tools, first aid kit, gloves.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? No
Any restrictions? All volunteers must be checked through school to satisfy LEA requirements.
How many NEW volunteers required?
Press/Media Contact: Carole Hockey (01773 881188(day), 01773 880329(eve))
Organised by: Derbyshire Wildlife Trust
REF E187

Langley Mill Spring Clean
Where? Langley Mill,
When? 24 March 2003
What's it about? A weeks campaign in Langley Mill and Aldercar to Spring-Clean the area by providing a co-ordinated and focussed approach to the issues of litter, dog fouling, pest control, maintenance of the grassed areas and hit squads to tidy-up and educate the public that litter and waste is not ok.
Where's it happening? c/o Langley Mill & Aldercar Community Resource Assn., 43 Cromford Road, Langley Mill,
What will volunteers do? Pick litter up and educate the public regarding dropping litter.
What to wear/bring: Walking shoes and sensible gloves, coats and waterproofs.
What will be provided: Bags for litter, Litter picks, Tea & Coffee
Is there wheelchair access to the site? No
Any restrictions? No restrictions - for all those who feel able to take part.
How many NEW volunteers required? 10-12
Volunteer Contact: Anne-Marie Loades (01773 535 232)
Press/Media Contact: Anne-Marie Loades (01773 535 232)
Organised by: Langley Mill & Aldercar Mature People (LAMP)
REF E424

The Whistlestop Garden Army
Where? Matlock Bath
When? 11th March 2003
What's it about? Renovation of the garden/demonstration compost area that is used when schools visit the centre.
Where's it happening? Whistletop Countryside Centre, Matlock Bath Old Railway Station, Matlock Bath
What will volunteers do? Replace chicken wire on steps; pressure wash flagstones; repair compost bins; put up some information on recycling and composting.
What to wear/bring: Warm, old clothes.
What will be provided: Warm drink and snack at lunchtime.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? No
Any restrictions? No.
How many NEW volunteers required? as many as possible
Volunteer Contact: Jill Leheup (01629 580958)
Press/Media Contact: Jill Leheup (01629 580958)
Organised by: Derbyshire Wildlife Trust
Email: derbywtcentre@cix.co.uk
REF E290

Tree Planting at Harrys Wood
Where? Smisby (Nr)
When? 31 January 2003
What's it about? we aim to plant a new woodland site in the national forest which has public access.
Where's it happening? Harrys Wood,, Smisby (Nr)
What will volunteers do? Plant native broadleafed trees
What to wear/bring: Waterproofs, wellies
What will be provided: Tools and Refreshments
Is there wheelchair access to the site? No
Any restrictions? No
How many NEW volunteers required? As many as possible
Volunteer Contact: Lucy Ashworth (01283 229 096)
Press/Media Contact: Lucy Ashworth (01283 229 096)
Organised by: BTCV
Email: L.Ashworth@btcv.org.uk
REF E286

Artificial Island
Where? Swadlincote
When? 26th January 2003
What's it about? Creation of an artificial island in the lake to provide refuge and nesting sites for waterbirds.
Where's it happening? Lakeside, Conkers Discovery, Moira, Swadlincote
What will volunteers do? Create an artificial island and locate it in the water. They will be assembling a wooden frame and making willow hurdles for a platform and ramps into the water. The frame will then be located and planted with reeds.
What to wear/bring: Clothing suitable for working outside. Sturdy footwear and waterproofs.
What will be provided: Tools and workgloves. Waders will be available.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? No dogs allowed on site.
How many NEW volunteers required? 0
Press/Media Contact: Rachel Costigan (01283 213731)
Organised by: Conkers
REF E234

Deadwood Forest
Where? Swadlincote
When? Saturday 8th February 2003
What's it about? To create an area of standing deadwood which will be safe in an area open to the public. Standing deadwood is a good habitat for beetle larvae and other invertebrates. A such it creates a larder of food for the green woodpeckers living in our woods, Noctule bats - a species on the National Forest Biodiversity Plan - are known to feed on beetles. Increasing their food supply could be an important step towards their preservation.
Where's it happening? Hawthirn Woodland, Conkers Waterside, Moira, Swadlincote
What will volunteers do? Volunteers will be digging holes in which to 'plant' the deadwood trees. The wood will then be sunk into the holes, and stones and soil packed in to make the trees stable.
What to wear/bring: Clothing suitable for working outside. Sturdy footwear and waterproofs. Packed lunch.
What will be provided: Tools and workgloves. Hot drinks.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? No dogs allowed on site.
How many NEW volunteers required? 0
Press/Media Contact: Rachel Costigan (01283 213731)
Organised by: Conkers
REF E235

The Energy Glade Coppicing
Where? Swadlincote
When? 2nd March 2003
What's it about? The Energy Glade is a new woodland of poplar and willow mix that is being coppiced every 4 years. This project would enable us to involve volunteers in the first coppicing of the final quarter.
Where's it happening? The Energy Glade Woodland, Conkers Waterside, Bath Lane, Moira, Swadlincote
What will volunteers do? Volunteers (Watch Group members) will be coppicing the trees after training and bundling the wood up to be used at other sites for hurdle fence making.
What to wear/bring: Suitable outdoor clothing, sturdy footwear and waterproofs. Snacks and drinks required.
What will be provided: Tools and work gloves.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? No pets - only guide dogs are allowed on the site.
How many NEW volunteers required? 0
Press/Media Contact: Karen Moulson (01283 213731)
Organised by: Conkers
REF E233

Tree Planting
Where? Swadlincote
When? 20th March 2003
What's it about? To plant trees around the wildlife pond at Conkers Discovery.
Where's it happening? Conkers, Rawdon Road, Moira, Swadlincote
What will volunteers do? Dig holes and plant trees from pots.
What to wear/bring: Warm clothes and stout shoes.
What will be provided: Gloves, drinks.
Is there wheelchair access to the site?
Any restrictions? No
How many NEW volunteers required? 0
Press/Media Contact: Heather Todd (01283 213731)
Organised by: Conkers
REF E232

Planting a Wildflower Meadow
Where? Swadlincote
When? 29th March 2003
What's it about? Planting plant plugs to create a wildflower meadow
Where's it happening? Conkers, Rawdon Road, Moira, Swadlincote
What will volunteers do? Plant wildflower plugs.
What to wear/bring: Warm clothes, sensible shoes.
What will be provided: Gloves, drinks.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions?
How many NEW volunteers required? yes - 10ish
Volunteer Contact: Heather Todd (01283 213731)
Press/Media Contact: Heather Todd (01283 213731)
Organised by: Conkers
REF E231

Willow Defence Fence
Where? Swadlincote
When? 5th April 2003
What's it about? Using willow coppiced from a local site, make willow hurdles to prevent rabbits entering an area of newly planted trees, along with the tree guards this will prevent damage.
Where's it happening? Dragon Hill, Conkers Waterside, Bath Lane, Moira, Swadlincote
What will volunteers do? Use willow to weave wattle hurdle fences.
What to wear/bring: Suitable clothes for outdoors, sturdy boots, packed lunch/snacks.
What will be provided: Tools and work gloves.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? No pets allowed on site.
How many NEW volunteers required?
Press/Media Contact: Mrs Karen Moulson (01283 213731)
Organised by: Conkers
REF E225

Worksworth Wallers
Where? Wirksworth
When? 21st March 2003
What's it about? A group of students from the Community School will work on a section of dry stone walling that runs along a public footpath.
Where's it happening? Gang Mine Nature Reserve, Wirksworth
What will volunteers do? Rebuild a dry stone wall over 3 visits.
What to wear/bring: Warm and waterproof clothes, strong shoes.
What will be provided: Equipment, work gloves; hot drinks and refreshments; transport.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? No
Any restrictions? Adults supervising young people have undergone disclosure.
How many NEW volunteers required?
Press/Media Contact: Lorraine Wolsey (01629 825577)
Organised by: Anthony Gell School
REF E387