Projects taking place in the week beginning 30 December 2002

Abberley Tomorrow Public Footpath Clearance
Where? Abberley, Worcestershire
When? 30th December 2002
What's it about? To clear local footpaths of overgrown brambles and weeds.
Where's it happening? Church Walk, Abberley
What will volunteers do? Help to clear and make good local village footpaths.
What to wear/bring: Protective clothing, outdoor wear, wellingtons and some refreshments.
What will be provided: Tools, first aid kit and some refreshments.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? No
Any restrictions? 16 - 25 years, no pets.
How many NEW volunteers required?
Press/Media Contact: Royston Evans (01299 896622)
Organised by: Abberley Tomorrow Youth Group
REF E169

Bumper Beach Clean and Action Earth Launch
Where? Milford Haven (nr.), West Wales
When? Tuesday 31st December 2002
What's it about? To get people out of the house after Christmas, clean the marine & general litter from the local beach. Plan other Action Earth events around a bonfire with hot soup etc!!
Where's it happening? Burton Beach, Burton Ferry, Milford Haven (nr.)
What will volunteers do? Remove litter blown onto foreshore during winter storms. Record types of litter, separate for disposal eg bagging & collection or burning!
What to wear/bring: Warm clothing & wellies. Gloves for children a help (difficult to get small sizes)
What will be provided: Protective gloves, bin bags, some litter pickers, hot soup, warm drinks and jacket potatoes after
Is there wheelchair access to the site? No
Any restrictions? Suitable for 3-83! Beach does not have restrictions for dogs.
How many NEW volunteers required? 10-15
Volunteer Contact: Stevie Lewis (01646 602424)
Press/Media Contact: Stevie Lewis (01646 602424)
Organised by: Burton Coastcare & Environmental Group
Email: BurtonCoastCare@hotmail.com
REF W208

Help the Hedge
Where? Leeds, West Yorkshire
When? 1st January 2003
What's it about? Obtain some additional tools to facilitate engaging fellow allotments holders to trim our boundary hedge - the inside and all the bits the tractor can't reach. Keep it more 'person'-proof. Also tidy up accumulated litter in hedge bottom. Foster plotholder community spirit.
Where's it happening? Woodhouse Moor (A) Allotments, junction Hyde Park Road/Moorland Road, Leeds
What will volunteers do? Use shears, loppers etc. to cut parts of the hedge that cannot be reached by tractor. Collect windblown and thrown litter from hedge bottom.
What to wear/bring: Old warm and waterproof clothing; own food and hot drink; own shears if available.
What will be provided: Tools, training, gratitude.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? No
Any restrictions? No unaccompanied under 18s
How many NEW volunteers required? 6 inc. new plotholders
Volunteer Contact: John or Jessica (0113 2754703)
Press/Media Contact: John Preston (0113 2754703)
Organised by: GrowFil
REF E102

Care for New Ark Animals
Where? Peterborough, Cambridgeshire
When? December 24th 2002 - January 1st 2003
What's it about? Feeding and caring for animals at New Ark City Farm over Christmas and New Year. Recruitment of volunteers to do it while farm is closed for holiday.
Where's it happening? New Ark Adventure Playground & City Farm, Hull Close, Reeves Way, Peterborough
What will volunteers do? Feed and care for animals - clean runs, cages and pens. Give food and water. Collect eggs, Check animals are healthy.
What to wear/bring: Warm work clothes, wet weather gear, wellington boots
What will be provided: Work gloves, training, animal food, refreshments
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? Children under 16 must be accompanied. No dogs or other animals to be brought on site.
How many NEW volunteers required? up to 10
Volunteer Contact: Carolyn Bellamy (01733 340605)
Press/Media Contact: Paul Gallagher/Carolyn Bellamy (01733 340605)
Organised by: Newark Play Association
REF E3

Safe Access - Slabbed Path
Where? Glasgow, Strathclyde
When? 3rd January 2003
What's it about? To make the high back area of the allotments more accessible
Where's it happening? Queens Park, Glasgow
What will volunteers do? Clear pathway, lay 3' x 2' concrete slabs after moving them to site (50 yards). Volunteers=over 50 years of age
What to wear/bring: Boots, gloves
What will be provided: Warm drinks
Is there wheelchair access to the site? No
Any restrictions?
How many NEW volunteers required? 6
Volunteer Contact: Mr G Hart (0141 649 2462)
Press/Media Contact: Mr Noel Conneff (0141 569 1790)
Organised by: Queen's Park Allotment Association
REF S9

Floral Features at Entrance to Sardis Village
Where? Sardis, West Wales
When? Friday 3rd January 2003
What's it about? To plant up boxes at each end of our village at the Sardis name signs - with spring/early summer plants
Where's it happening? Sardis
What will volunteers do? Clear ground around road signs. Buy plants. Plant up boxes. Then over the spring and summer, water and tend the plants.
What to wear/bring: Old clothes/wellies. Trowels.
What will be provided: Boxes/compost/refreshments. Notices to say "Careful - work in progress"
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? No - but make sure children are supervised
How many NEW volunteers required? 2 or 3
Volunteer Contact: Rosemarie Irvine (01834 811955)
Press/Media Contact: Rosemarie Irvine (01834 811955)
Organised by: Sardis Parks & Gardens
REF W3

Valeplus Garden Project
Where? Barry, South Wales - Central
When? 4th January 2003
What's it about? Building a polytunnel
Where's it happening? 118a High Street, Barry
What will volunteers do? Build a polytunnel
What to wear/bring: Wellingtons, raincoats
What will be provided: All tools and materials for the polytunnel
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? No. (Police checks may be required if long term)
How many NEW volunteers required? unlimited
Volunteer Contact: Melanie Carter (01446 746691)
Press/Media Contact: Steve Thomas (01446 746691 (day), 02920 515764 (eve))
Organised by: Valeplus
REF W1

Bulb Planting on Village Pond
Where? Doncaster, South Yorkshire
When? 4th January 2003
What's it about? To plant spring bulbs on the grass surrounds of the village pond with a view to increasing our marks in the "Yorkshire in Bloom Campaign"
Where's it happening? Clayton Village Pond, Churchfield Road, Doncaster
What will volunteers do? Plant a variety of spring bulbs around the village pond.
What to wear/bring: Gardening gloves and a trowel
What will be provided: The bulbs, garden spades for tough ground. Refreshments in the village hall.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? No
Any restrictions? Not suitable for young children
How many NEW volunteers required? 4 councillors + village volunteers
Volunteer Contact: Jack Illidge (01977 646398)
Press/Media Contact: Jack Illidge (01977 646398)
Organised by: Clayton-with-Frickley Parish Council
Email: jack.illidge@btopenworld.com
REF E85

Rustle Down The Wind
Where? Shearbrow, Lancashire
When? 4th January 2003
What's it about? The project was suggested by local children. The success of the herb garden prompted the idea of an area within the local community garden which will be planted with wild grasses that add different noises of rustling to the olfactory part of the community garden. The grasses will be chosen for their ability to create noise in the wind and colour and will enhance the area. The children, who are a diverse group and multi cultural, will be planting and deciding where to place them to create a most pleasing effect to people who have little or no eyesight and will be used as an educational site.
Where's it happening? Safehaven Community Garden, Langham Road, Shearbrow
What will volunteers do? Assist in planting
What to wear/bring: Outdoor warm clothing
What will be provided: Tools, refreshments
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? No
How many NEW volunteers required? 7
Volunteer Contact: Mark Dixon (07787 377999)
Press/Media Contact: Mark Dixon (07787 377999 (day), 01254 720304 (eve))
Organised by: Blackburn Safe Haven Community Association
Email: safehavengarden@yahoo.co.uk
REF E14

Westwood Community Park Assocation Action Day
Where? Southampton, Hampshire
When? 4th January 2003
What's it about? WCPA is a group of local residents who are keen to improve their local woodland and adjoining play area. They want to have a clearing-up day plus make some path improvements and install a bench.
Where's it happening? Westwood Woodland Park, Staplehurst Close, Southampton
What will volunteers do? Pick up rubbish, lay new path surfacing and install a new bench
What to wear/bring: Packed lunch, waterproofs, wear old clothes
What will be provided: Gloves, tools, bin bags, path gravel and bench kit
Is there wheelchair access to the site? No
Any restrictions? No
How many NEW volunteers required? as many local residents as possible
Volunteer Contact: Emma Humphrys (02380 456484)
Press/Media Contact: Emma Humphrys (02380 456484)
Organised by: Hampshire County Council Contryside Service
REF E64

Daffodils
Where? Taunton, Somerset
When? Saturday 4th January 2003
What's it about? Plant daffodils around the village of Halse
Where's it happening? Around the village, Halse, Taunton
What will volunteers do? Plant daffodil bulbs.
What to wear/bring: Rainwear, bulb planters.
What will be provided: Refreshments.
Is there wheelchair access to the site?
Any restrictions? No
How many NEW volunteers required? anyone who will come!
Volunteer Contact: Sheila Lewis (01823 432697)
Press/Media Contact: Sheila Lewis (01823 432697)
Organised by: Halse District Garden Club
REF E105

Join in Jamboree
Where? Ashbourne, Derbyshire
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

Christmas Tree Recycling
Where? Birmingham, West Midlands
When? 5th January 2003
What's it about? Natural cut Christmas trees are to be recycled by shredding and composting. Advertised by retailers and flyers in shops.
Where's it happening? B & Q car park, Station Road, Stechford, Birmingham
What will volunteers do? Collect trees from public, help man shredding machine, keep site tidy.
What to wear/bring: Warm clothes.
What will be provided: Protective clothing.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? No.
How many NEW volunteers required?
Press/Media Contact: Ian Brown (0121 325 5330 (day), 0121 444 4423 (eve))
Organised by: Run Amuck Community Composting
Email: ian@csvenvironment.org.uk
REF E155

Chestnut Coppicing and Ride Management
Where? Canterbury (nr), Kent
When? Sunday 5th January 2003
What's it about? Using bowsaws and loppers, we'll be opening up the footpaths for the benefit of the rare heath fritillary butterfly.
Where's it happening? East Blean Woods, Canterbury (nr)
What will volunteers do? Coppicing/opening up footpaths
What to wear/bring: Old clothes, strong shoes/wellies, waterproofs, packed lunch
What will be provided: Tea, coffee, biscuits, gloves, tools, any training where necessary
Is there wheelchair access to the site? No
Any restrictions? Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult
How many NEW volunteers required? 20 or more if possible
Volunteer Contact: John Wilson (07808 568821/01227 740676)
Press/Media Contact: Dan Attwood (01622 662012)
Organised by: Kent Wildlife Trust
Email: info@kentwildlife.org.uk
REF E49

Hedge Laying for Wildlife
Where? Little Paxton, Cambridgeshire
When? Sunday 5th January 2003
What's it about? To lay several sections of an overgrown hedge on the Ouse Valley Way Long Distance Footpath. The aim is to transform the tall sparse hedge into a thick, sprawling hedge suitable for a range of wildlife. This will enhance the enjoyment of the thousands of walkers who use the OVW each year.
Where's it happening? Ouse Valley Way, Little Paxton
What will volunteers do? Remove and burn brash as it is cut from the hedge by qualified chain saw operatives. Smaller bushes will be cut by volunteers (after on-site training). Hand tools (bow saws and loppers) will be used.
What to wear/bring: Wear boots or stout shoes, and warm clothing.
What will be provided: Gloves, hard hats, all tools needed and instruction in their safe use. Hot tea and coffee and biscuits. First aid.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? No
Any restrictions? No pets. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult who takes responsibility for them.
How many NEW volunteers required? 5
Volunteer Contact: Dr Ray Matthews (01480 215277)
Press/Media Contact: Dr Ray Matthews (01480 215277)
Organised by: Friends of Paxton Pits Nature Reserve
REF E202

Christmas Tree Recycling
Where? London, Greater London
When? Saturday 4th January 2003 (Godolphin) and Sunday 5th January 2003 (Loris)
What's it about? We will be recycling Christmas trees at our 2 community garden sites.
Where's it happening? Godolphin Rd Community Garden/Loris Road Community Garden, London
What will volunteers do? Prepare Christmas trees for chipping/shreddering
What to wear/bring: Warm clothing.
What will be provided: Refreshments.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? No pets. Volunteers must be over 16.
How many NEW volunteers required?
Press/Media Contact: Cathy Maund (0777 334 8294)
Organised by: Hammersmith Community Gardens Association
REF E114

Bird Boxes for the Pickmere Informal Recreational Open Space
Where? Pickmere, Cheshire
When? Sunday 5th January 2003
What's it about? In 2000, Pickmere was fortunate enough to acquire a derelict but beautiful site adjoining the Mere. The village formed the Conservation Group to clear it and have already planted over 1000 trees. Work is ongoing. We would now like to put up bird boxes.
Where's it happening? Pickmere Informal Recreational Open Space, Mere Lane, Pickmere
What will volunteers do? Following the instructions of the Countryside Ranger, volunteers will make the boxes and the more able will mount them on trees.
What to wear/bring: Nails, protective gloves
What will be provided: Materials. Use of pavilion for working/refreshments/toilet facilities
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? No. Children must be accompanied by responsible adult. Dogs must be under control at all times.
How many NEW volunteers required?
Press/Media Contact: Virginia Brown (01565 733433)
Organised by: Pickmere Lake Conservation Group
REF E57

Improving Marsh Harrier Breeding Site
Where? Westhay, Somerset
When? Saturday 5th January 2003
What's it about? Improve habitat to encourage return of marsh harriers, which bred 1995-2000, by some tree thinning and selective clearing of reed beds.
Where's it happening? Westhay Heath Nature Reserve, Westhay
What will volunteers do? Remove specified trees with bowsaws, trimming off brash and stacking 2m length timbers. Clearing reed patches and raking off cut reed.
What to wear/bring: Lunch, protective clothing, wellingtons or walking boots.
What will be provided: Training and supervision, hot tea/coffee, tools, first aid.
Is there wheelchair access to the site?
Any restrictions? Under 12s must be accompanied by an adult. No pets.
How many NEW volunteers required? up to 10
Volunteer Contact: Anne Lees (01278 641521)
Press/Media Contact: Norman Lees (01278 641521)
Organised by: Sedgemoor Conservation Volunteers
Email: leesmark@supanet.com
REF E150

Monkwood Action Earth
Where? Worcester, Worcestershire
When? Sunday 5th January 2003
What's it about? Woodland management for butterflies - clearing back the edge of a woodland path, badly overgrown,
Where's it happening? Monkwood Nature Reserve, Monkwood Green, Hallow, Worcester
What will volunteers do? Clear brush and coppice growth in a belt approx 5m wide on one side of a woodland path; also clear overhanging branches.
What to wear/bring: Suitable outdoor clothing for a winter's day; stout footwear; food and drink
What will be provided: Gloves, protective headgear/goggles, all tools. Soup and mince pies.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? No
Any restrictions? No children below 11 - others must be accompanied by a responsible adult. No pets. Volunteers need to be fit for this activity.
How many NEW volunteers required? as many as possible
Volunteer Contact: Paddy Harrison (01905 641523)
Press/Media Contact: Paddy Harrison (01905 641523)
Organised by: West Midlands Butterfly Conservation
Email: paddyharrison@ukonline.co.uk
REF E87