Projects taking place in the week beginning 20 January 2003

Rescuing Woodlands
Where? Broxburn, Lothian
When? 20th January 2003
What's it about? To run training for volunteers and community group members in practical management ideas to bring older woodlands back from a state of decay and dereliction.
Where's it happening? Oatridge Agricultural College, Ecclesmachan, Broxburn
What will volunteers do? Learn skills in woodland management and regeneration. This will include covering the theory and practical application
What to wear/bring: Waterproof clothing, notebook and writing implements
What will be provided: Tea/coffee, lunch, instruction, tools, handouts about the course
Is there wheelchair access to the site? No
Any restrictions? Age over 16 years, no pets, phone for details about special needs provision
How many NEW volunteers required? as many as possible
Volunteer Contact: Kate Hookham (01786 479697)
Press/Media Contact: Kate Hookham (01786 479697 (day))
Organised by: BTCV Scotland
Email: k.hookham@btcv.org.uk
REF S5

Recycling Paper to Paper
Where? Cardiff, South Wales - Central
When? Monday 20th January 2003
What's it about? Using recycled materials to make flower containers
Where's it happening? Ysgol Bro Eirwg, Ridgeway Road, Llanrumney, Cardiff
What will volunteers do? Make flower containers and plant bulbs
What to wear/bring: Outdoor clothing
What will be provided: Materials, bulbs
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? No pets (except guide dogs)
How many NEW volunteers required? 10-15
Volunteer Contact: Sue Davidge (02920 777124)
Press/Media Contact: Sue Davidge (02920 251718)
Organised by: Ysgol Bro Eirwg Eco Club
REF W9

Wildmeadow
Where? Cardiff, South Wales - Central
When? 20th January 2003
What's it about? take a group of children and volunteers to restock a wild meadow area.
Where's it happening? Moorland Park, Splott, Cardiff
What will volunteers do? Plant wild meadow seeds.
What to wear/bring: Warm clothes and sensible shoes.
What will be provided:
Is there wheelchair access to the site?
Any restrictions?
How many NEW volunteers required?
Organised by: South Splott Residents Association
REF W20

Yellow Paper
Where? Cardiff, South Wales - Central
When? 20th January 2003
What's it about? To set up a collection point for Yellow Pages 2002.
Where's it happening? Ysgol Bro Eirwg, Llanrumney, Cardiff
What will volunteers do? collect yellow pages books for recycling.
What to wear/bring: just enthusiasm!
What will be provided: refreshments.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? No
Any restrictions? none
How many NEW volunteers required? 10-20
Volunteer Contact: Mrs G Williams (02920 777124)
Press/Media Contact: Mrs G Williams (02920 777124)
Organised by: Cymdeithias Rhieni
REF W30

Christmas Card Recycling Scheme 2002
Where? Rugeley, Staffordshire
When? 20th January 2003
What's it about? We will be collecting Christmas cards from collection points in the local village doctors' surgery, primary school and local groups to enter the Community Council Scheme. In 2000, enough cards were collected in Staffordshire to save 33 trees.
Where's it happening? Admaston, Rugeley
What will volunteers do? Make posters to advertise project. Assemble cardboard boxes to collect cards. Empty boxes when full and pack into large, strong sacks.
What to wear/bring: Plastic gloves, warm clothes.
What will be provided: Plastic gloves, sacks;, lemonade and crisps; tea and coffee for adults.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? No
How many NEW volunteers required? 6
Volunteer Contact: Phyllis Massey (01889 500215)
Press/Media Contact: Phyllis Massey (01889 500215)
Organised by: Admaston Village Hall
REF E100

Green Gym Scrub Clearance at Haylands Recreation Ground
Where? Ryde, Isle of Wight
When? Monday 20th January 2003
What's it about? Trees need to be planted/reinforced and scrub cleared. Natural environments will be improved and community/volunteer health will be promoted through involvement in outdoor group activities.
Where's it happening? Haylands Recreation Ground, Ryde
What will volunteers do? Volunteers will warm up and cool down. Activities will use some tools - safety training will be given - to clear scrub and plant trees. Tree protectors on existing trees will be checked and replaced if necessary. Paths and fencing around the nearby playground will be checked.
What to wear/bring: Sturdy footwear (no trainers), and sensible, comfortable clothing. Bring food if required.
What will be provided: Tea/coffee and light refreshments. Tools and safety training
Is there wheelchair access to the site? No
Any restrictions? Under 16s must be accompanied by a responsible adult. No upper age limit - participants can do as much or as little as they like
How many NEW volunteers required? up to 10
Volunteer Contact: Kate Harvey (01983 532121)
Press/Media Contact: Ray Harrington-Vail (01983 532121)
Organised by: Wight Green Centre, Island Volunteers
Email: action21@wightgreencentre.demon.co.uk
REF E80

Wild Bird Feeders
Where? Woodbridge, Suffolk
When? 20th January 2003
What's it about? To try to educate and encourage youngsters to think about wild birds and their plight during the winter months. The youngsters will construct bird feeders from wood and wire mesh. A speaker has been invited to give a talk and demonstration.
Where's it happening? Youth Club, Parham Village Hall, Main Road, Parham, Woodbridge
What will volunteers do? Make the bird feeders. Show an interest in the environment.
What to wear/bring: A hammer.
What will be provided: Nails, staplegun, wire, wood, peanuts and sunflower seeds.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? Volunteers must be members of the Youth Club aged 11-18 years.
How many NEW volunteers required? 10
Volunteer Contact: Sandra Poacher (01728 724313)
Press/Media Contact: Jane Slade (01728 723707)
Organised by: Parham Youth Group
REF E166

Rubish Clearance - Parish Sanctuary
Where? Evesham, Worcestershire
When? Tuesday 21st January 2003
What's it about? Clearing of glass, metal, boxes, plastic and rubbish into skip ready for development of 1 acre site as parish sanctuary for wildlife and people.
Where's it happening? Booby's Close, Quarry Lane, Cleeve Prior, Evesham
What will volunteers do? Clear up rubbish and fill skip.
What to wear/bring: Stout shoes and thick clothes. Waterproofs.
What will be provided: Gloves, instructions, refreshments.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? No
Any restrictions? No.
How many NEW volunteers required? Plenty
Volunteer Contact: Lin Warren (01789 778570)
Press/Media Contact: Don Warren (01789 778570)
Organised by: Cleeve Prior Heritage Trust
REF E124

Habitat Management at Wymington Meadow
Where? Wymington, Bedfordshire
When? Tuesday 21st January 2003
What's it about? We shall be clearing the invasive scrub from an important grassland area.
Where's it happening? Wymington Meadow Nature Reserve, Wymington
What will volunteers do? Cutting down, lopping up, dragging and burning scrub to conserve the grassland area.
What to wear/bring: Packed lunch and drink, old work clothes and sturdy boots, waterproofs.
What will be provided: Other protective clothing as required, training in use of hand tools.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? No
Any restrictions? Minimum age is 18. Dogs on leads, please.
How many NEW volunteers required? up to 10
Volunteer Contact: Aidan Matthews (07734 478455)
Press/Media Contact: Aidan Matthews (07734 478455)
Organised by: Wildlife Midweek Team
Email: amatthews@bedswt.cix.co.uk
REF E145

Willow Weaving Workshop
Where? London, Greater London
When? Wednesday 22nd January 2003
What's it about? To run a days workshop to show trainees & volunteers at Roots and Shoots (a horticulture/carpentry workshop for disadvantaged teenagers in South London) how to weave willow plant supports etc. for use on site and also to sell to the public.
Where's it happening? Walnut Tree Walk, , London
What will volunteers do? They will harvest willow from an island on the River Thames - grade it and bundle it. It will be returned to site where a willow weaver will run a session to show us.
What to wear/bring: Refreshments.
What will be provided: Transport to the island. Kitchen, toilet use, shelter!
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? No
How many NEW volunteers required? None
Press/Media Contact: Joe Shannon (0207 582 1800)
Organised by: Roots & Shoots
REF E237

Monk's Brook Scrub-Up Away Day
Where? Southampton, Hampshire
When? Wednesday 22nd January 2003
What's it about? Scrub clearance on a flood plain area. To encourage wildlife and keep existing paths clear involving members of current Green Gym and locals.
Where's it happening? Monk's Brook, Wessex Lane, Swaythling, Southampton
What will volunteers do? Instructor-led warm-up and cool-down, bramble clearance, other vegetation clearance, litter picking and possibly path work.
What to wear/bring: Old warm clothes, sturdy footwear, waterproofs and wellies.
What will be provided: All tools, training, first aider, refreshments.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? No
Any restrictions? Under 16s accompanied by an adult. No pets.
How many NEW volunteers required? approx 10
Volunteer Contact: Rebecca Eastment (01962 774714)
Press/Media Contact: Rebecca Eastment (01962 774714)
Organised by: Southampton Green Gym
Email: r.eastment@btcv.org.uk
REF E240

Water of Leith Cleanup
Where? Edinburgh, Lothian
When? Tuesday 23rd January 2003
What's it about? To clear litter and rubbish from a stretch of Edinburgh's river, the Water of Leith
Where's it happening? Water of Leith Conservation Trust, 24 Lanark Road, Edinburgh
What will volunteers do? Clear litter and dumped rubbish from the river and riverside pathway
What to wear/bring: Old clothes, boots or stout shoes
What will be provided: Gloves, tabards, tools, black bags, lunch, washing facilities
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? Any under 12 should be accompanied
How many NEW volunteers required? 10
Volunteer Contact: Graham Priestley (0131 455 7367)
Press/Media Contact: Helen Sadler (0131 455 7367 (day), 07801 945369 (eve))
Organised by: Water of Leith Conservation Trust
Email: admin@waterofleith.demon.co.uk
REF S2

Tree Planting at Falkirk Wheel
Where? Falkirk, Central
When? 21st - 23rd January 2003
What's it about? Improve environmental value of the area by increasing tree cover and variety.
Where's it happening? Falkirk Wheel, near the tunnel, Falkirk
What will volunteers do? Fertilize trees to ensure a good start in their new location.
What to wear/bring: Waterproofs, wellies, boots, lunch, gloves.
What will be provided: Tools, tea, coffee, biscuits.
Is there wheelchair access to the site?
Any restrictions? No age restrictions.
How many NEW volunteers required? as many as possible
Volunteer Contact: Miles Dickinson (07719 698046)
Press/Media Contact: Miles Dickinson (01786 479697)
Organised by: BTCV Scotland
REF S14

Operation Daffodil 2
Where? Birmingham, West Midlands
When? Saturday 25th January
What's it about? In the winter of 2000 we planted daffodils on one section of our estate. We now want to extend this and plant daffodils at a further 3 locations on estate.
Where's it happening? Bordesley Green, Birmingham
What will volunteers do? Plant daffodil bulbs, make hot drinks.
What to wear/bring: Warm old clothes.
What will be provided: Daffodil bulbs, compost, blood and bonemeal.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? No
How many NEW volunteers required? 20
Volunteer Contact: M Bannon (0121 242 1362)
Press/Media Contact: M Bannon (0121 242 1362)
Organised by: Bordesley Green Leisure Gardens Residents Association
REF E292

Tree Care Day - Yatton Churchyard
Where? Bristol (nr.), Avon
When? Saturday 25th January 2003
What's it about? Further work on the trees in Yatton Churchyard. To include pruning and crown lifting and to label the significant trees using the Royal Botanical Society tree labelling system (to increase public awareness and appreciation).
Where's it happening? St Mary's Churchyard, Yatton, Bristol (nr.)
What will volunteers do? Help with staking, mulching, pruning trees in the churchyard, and disposing of the waste by creating log piles. Also tree labelling, general tidying.
What to wear/bring: Work gloves, stout footwear, warm clothes.
What will be provided: All tools and equipment, and refreshments
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? No unaccompanied children, no dogs.
How many NEW volunteers required? any number
Volunteer Contact: Faith Moulin (01934 834282)
Press/Media Contact: Faith Moulin (01934 834282)
Organised by: Friends of St Mary's Churchyard
Email: moulin@tinyworld.co.uk
REF E20

Maintenance Golden Jubilee Garden
Where? Didsbury, Greater Manchester
When? 14th - 25th January 2003
What's it about? Maintaining the Jubilee Garden, enlisting volunteers and purchasing tools
Where's it happening? The Golden Jubilee Garden, corner of Grange Lane, Didsbury
What will volunteers do? Prepare section of ground to receive/plant two semi-mature trees. Stake and secure. Make good disturbed ground, replanting any disturbed bulbs or bushes. Tidy up generally.
What to wear/bring: Gardening clothes including gloves and head gear.
What will be provided: Waste bags, trees, stakes, tools.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? No
How many NEW volunteers required? 4
Volunteer Contact: T L Webster (0161 434 2032)
Press/Media Contact: T L Webster (0161 434 2032)
Organised by: Didsbury Civic Society
REF E39

Stepping Stones
Where? Pontefract, West Yorkshire
When? 25th January 2003
What's it about? We want to put large stones around our ponds to make picnic areas.
Where's it happening? Frickley Country Park, off Broadlane, South Elmsall, Pontefract
What will volunteers do? Unload stones and help to carry them into position. Level ground where stones will be positioned. Do weeding and general tidy up.
What to wear/bring: Strong footwear, gloves
What will be provided: Refreshments and tools
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? None at all. Wheelchair access by car.
How many NEW volunteers required? as many as are willing
Volunteer Contact: Terry Catton (01226 717136)
Press/Media Contact: Terry Catton (01226 717136)
Organised by: S.E.P.Y.S
Email: terry@sepys.co.uk
REF E44

Bird Provision
Where? Tadley (nr.), Hampshire
When? between 14th & 25th January 2003
What's it about? Provision and installation of several bird boxes for tits, sparrows, robins in St James' churchyard.
Where's it happening? St James' churchyard, Bramley, Tadley (nr.)
What will volunteers do? Clean up old, existing boxes; site and install new boxes.
What to wear/bring: Stout footwear, gardening gloves, ladder, hammer, nails.
What will be provided: Ladder, hammer, nails.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions?
How many NEW volunteers required? local volunteers
Volunteer Contact: Dorothy Bly (01256 850642)
Press/Media Contact: Dorothy Bly (01256 850642)
Organised by: Bramley Churchyard Conservation Volunteers
REF E96

Creating a Wildlife Pond
Where? , Strathclyde
When? Sunday 26th January 2003
What's it about? To create a small wildlife pond, which along with others on the site will hopefully increase biodiversity in creating habitats for pondlife and attract mammals to drink.
Where's it happening? Queen's Park Allotments, Glasgow,
What will volunteers do? Dig out pond, insert liner, place pond compost, place plants.
What to wear/bring: Outdoor gear.
What will be provided: Hot tea, tools.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? No
Any restrictions? No
How many NEW volunteers required? 4
Volunteer Contact: Ruth Leask (0141 424 1690)
Press/Media Contact: Ruth Leask (0141 424 1690)
Organised by: Queen's Park Allotments
REF S11

Abberley Tomorrow Tidy Up Campaign
Where? Abberley, Worcestershire
When? Sunday 26th January 2003
What's it about? To clear local hedgerows around village of litter, plastic bottles and cans.
Where's it happening? Village Green Woodland Area, Abberley
What will volunteers do? Clear up litter that is in the hedgerows around the village and take to recycle plant.
What to wear/bring: Outdoor clothes, wellingtons or heavy boots, gloves and refreshments.
What will be provided: Some refreshments, tools, bags and transport. First aid kit.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? 16 - 25 years preferred. No dogs please.
How many NEW volunteers required?
Press/Media Contact: Royston Evans (01299 896622)
Organised by: Abberley Tomorrow Youth Group
REF E167

Hedgelaying Weekend
Where? Bristol, Avon
When? Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th January 2003
What's it about? Lay a section of hedge with a trainer to teach the volunteers. The hedge runs along a section of a permissive path through Hartwood Acres.
Where's it happening? Hartwood Acres, immediately behind Newland Road, Withywood, Bristol
What will volunteers do? Learn the techniques for laying a hedge. Lay a section of hedge.
What to wear/bring: Old, warm clothes. Packed lunch.
What will be provided: Tools, first aid, coffee and tea, trainer and prepared site.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? No
Any restrictions? Over 16 years old.
How many NEW volunteers required? There are 14 places available each day.
Volunteer Contact: Barbra Lakin (0117 9359710)
Press/Media Contact: Barbra Lakin (0117 9359710 (Tuesdays and Thursdays))
Organised by: CSV Environment
REF E236

Adopt a Beach
Where? Conwy, North Wales
When? Sunday 26th January 2003
What's it about? As an adopt a beach organiser, I, with the assistance of local volunteers, carry out 4 beach surveys a year. We remove litter from a specific stretch of beach and also collate information on the type and quantity of litter collected. Our Autumn survey is part of the national beach watch event and I forward the information collected to the marine conservation society.
Where's it happening? Kinmel Bay Beach, Kimnel Bay, Conwy
What will volunteers do? Assist in litter picking and completing data sheets.
What to wear/bring: Suitable clothing and footwear. If possible, protective gloves and bags.
What will be provided: Gloves and bags if needed. Data sheets, pencil. Pedometer and spring balance scale.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Partial
Any restrictions? No.
How many NEW volunteers required? 2
Volunteer Contact: Mr John Walker (01745 330616)
Press/Media Contact: Helen or Alison (01989 567807)
Organised by: Marine Conservation Society
Email: johnsneddonwalker@yahoo.co.uk
REF W151

Woodland Ride Recreation
Where? Grafham Water, Cambridgeshire
When? Sunday 26th January 2003
What's it about? To open up old ride through woodland allowing easy access in the future
Where's it happening? Anglian Water Intake Works on B661, Grafham Water
What will volunteers do? Open up old ride through woodland by removing overgrowth, small trees and brashings. Clearing ride and making habitat piles from cuttings and trimmings.
What to wear/bring: All weather clothing, stout boots/footwear
What will be provided: Refreshments and sausage in a roll. Safety equipment. Tools. Training. Washing facilities.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? No
Any restrictions? Age 16+
How many NEW volunteers required? 10 to 20
Volunteer Contact: Sam Malt (01480 810844 (day), 01480 811654 (eve))
Press/Media Contact: Sam Malt (01480 810844 (day), 01480 811654 (eve))
Organised by: Grafham Wildlife and Conservation Group
REF E27

Primrose Clean-Up
Where? Jarrow, Tyne & Wear
When? 26th January 2003
What's it about? Primrose Nature Reserve is home to several species of birds ( a kingfisher regularly nests in this area). The area has become a target for rubbish. We need to clean up before nesting season begins.
Where's it happening? Primrose Nature Reserve, Jarrow
What will volunteers do? Using appropriate pickers and wearing gloves, collect rubbish from river bank.
What to wear/bring: Strong footwear and old clothes (appropriate for the weather).
What will be provided: Tent/gazebo in which to change footwear etc. Hot drinks. We hope to provide volunteers with a feeling that they have made a difference to the environment in enjoyable company and, sometimes, adverse weather.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? Dogs are welcome but need to be under control at all times. Children are welcome with parental or other adult supervision.
How many NEW volunteers required? any number welcome
Volunteer Contact: Katrina Ghent (0191 5363894)
Press/Media Contact: Katrina Ghent (0191 5363894, 07814 764044 (mob.))
Organised by: Countryside Volunteers S. Tyneside
REF E229

Bonfires at Butterwick
Where? Malton (nr.), North Yorkshire
When? 24th - 26th January 2003
What's it about? Removing hawthorn and gorse scrub from chalk grasslands
Where's it happening? East End Farm, Butlerwick, Malton (nr.)
What will volunteers do? Clear gorse and hawthorn scrub, putting them in piles
What to wear/bring: Warm work clothes, waterproof clothing, sleeping bag
What will be provided: Tools, protective boots, waterproof clothing, accommodation, food and non-alcoholic drinks, transport to/from nearest railway station
Is there wheelchair access to the site? No
Any restrictions? Age 16+, no pets
How many NEW volunteers required? 14
Volunteer Contact: BTCV North Yorkshire (01748 811970)
Press/Media Contact: Ann Purbrick (01748 811970)
Organised by: BTCV North Yorkshire
Email: North-Yorkshire@btcv.org.uk
REF E92

Artificial Island
Where? Swadlincote, Derbyshire
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

Park Wood: Woodland Work-out
Where? Waterlooville, Hampshire
When? 26th January 2003
What's it about? To continue the restoration of Park Wood. We will carry out various clearance tasks, including the drainage ditches, and celebrate our achievements with a barbecue.
Where's it happening? Park Wood, London Road, Waterlooville
What will volunteers do? Clear sycamore saplings by cutting with loppers or bowsaw, pull up small seedlings, locate and pull up laurel seedlings. Drag saplings and brash from larger trees to bonfires and burn them. Stack sycamore logs (cut earlier in the year) into habitat piles. Clear ditches and cut back bramble. Celebrate achievements with a barbecue lunch.
What to wear/bring: Old clothing, wellingtons or other stout boots.
What will be provided: Tools, protective gloves, hard hats, first aid facilities, safety briefing and training as required, hot and cold drinks and biscuits, guided tour of wood, barbecue with hot dogs, mince pies, mulled wine, tea, coffee.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? Children welcome, supervised by adult if under 14 years of age. Dogs welcome, but must be kept under close control by owners.
How many NEW volunteers required? up to 5
Volunteer Contact: John Carter (023 9226 9827)
Press/Media Contact: Fiona Alsop (023 9223 3582)
Organised by: The Friends of Park Wood
Email: john.carter@care4free.net
REF E111

Bird Box Building
Where? Wolverhampton, West Midlands
When? 26th January 2003
What's it about? Habitat creation. Building bird boxes for distribution around the centre and in volunteers' gardens.
Where's it happening? Wildside Activity Centre, Hordern Road, Whitmore Reans, Wolverhampton
What will volunteers do? Build bird boxes. Attach to points around the centre or put them up at home.
What to wear/bring: Old, warm clothes.
What will be provided: Tools
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? 6-15 years old.
How many NEW volunteers required?
Press/Media Contact: Matt (01902 572240)
Organised by: Wildside Watch Group
Email: info@wildsideac.co.uk
REF E135

Projects led by young people aged 16-25