Projects taking place in the week beginning 27 January 2003

Hilton Persuaders
Where? Hilton, Derbyshire
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

Back Lane Clean-Up
Where? Penarth, South Wales - Central
When? 27th January 2003
What's it about? The lane that runs along the back wall of our school gets very littered, giving the school a poor impression. The pupils would like to clean up the lane regularly as part of our eco-strategy.
Where's it happening? Victoria Primary School, Corners Well Road, Penarth
What will volunteers do? Use litter pickers to pick up all litter deposited in lane.
What to wear/bring: Suitable clothing.
What will be provided: Direction and supervision.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? Schoolchildren, parents and grandparents.
How many NEW volunteers required?
Press/Media Contact: D. Samuel (02920 513868)
Organised by: Victoria Primary School
REF W27

Transplanting Oaks at Chaddesden Wood
Where? Derby, Derbyshire
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

Brown Moor Vale Project
Where? Malton, North Yorkshire
When? 28th January 2003
What's it about? To manage an area of valuable chalk grassland by removing hawthorn scrub. This will promote the growth of wildflowers in the spring. Volunteers can do this using traditional hand tools.
Where's it happening? Brown Moor Farm, Leavening, Malton
What will volunteers do? Use slashers and grasshooks to clear the scrub away. Bowsaws will be used to reduce the hawthorn to a manageable size.
What to wear/bring: Warm, old clothes; waterproofs; a packed lunch.
What will be provided: Refreshments, all tools and safety equipment, tuition and guidance.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? No
Any restrictions? No pets. Must be over 16. Under 18s need parental permission.
How many NEW volunteers required?
Press/Media Contact: James Fleetwood (01904 644300)
Organised by: BTCV - York
Email: york@btcv.org.uk
REF E108

Footpath Creation in Eccleshall Woods
Where? Sheffield, South Yorkshire
When? 28th January 2003
What's it about? To create a surfaced footpath in this frequently used woodland, to enable users a safer, easier walk.
Where's it happening? Eccleshall Woods, Sheffield
What will volunteers do? Take part in a practical conservation project.
What to wear/bring: Packed lunch; old, warm clothing; strong footwear; waterproofs if possible.
What will be provided: Hot drinks and biscuits at breaks and lunchtime; trained leaders to demonstrate the work and tool safety; fully maintained, safe tools; personal protective equipment; travel expenses; transport to and from site.
Is there wheelchair access to the site?
Any restrictions? Under 16s must have parental consent. Persons with special needs and their support workers are welcome.
How many NEW volunteers required? new volunteers always welcome
Volunteer Contact: Clare Jeffries/Stephen Mullhall (0114 272 3591)
Press/Media Contact: Clare Jeffries/Stephen Mullhall (0114 272 3591)
Organised by: BTCV - South Yorkshire
Email: south-yorkshire@btcv.org.uk
REF E276

Environmental Enhancement
Where? Trelewis, South Wales - Central
When? 26th December 2002 - 28th January 2003
What's it about? We will be planting shrubs, erecting a gate and making the environment more pleasant to the public.
Where's it happening? Welsh International Climbing Centre, Trelewis
What will volunteers do? Help erect a gate, clear rubbish and plant shrubs.
What to wear/bring: Suitable clothing.
What will be provided: Refreshments, advice and tools needed.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? None
How many NEW volunteers required? 30
Volunteer Contact: Howard Jackson (01443 710749)
Press/Media Contact: Howard Jackson (01443 710749 (day), 01443 410705 (eve))
Organised by: Welsh International Climbing Cente
REF W24

Spring Clean the green
Where? Easington, Durham
When? Wednesday 29th January 2003
What's it about? Nursery children and parent volunteers will go on a walk from the nursery to the village green and play area. Once there we will clean up all the litter. This will teach our children not to drop litter and will improve the environment.
Where's it happening? Easington Village Green, Easington
What will volunteers do? Work with the children to help pick up litter and ensure their safety.
What to wear/bring: Old clothes, boots/wellies. Refreshments.
What will be provided: Litter pickers, bin bags, first aid kit.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? No
Any restrictions? All volunteers must contact the nursery beforehand to ensure that child protection procedures can be adhered to.
How many NEW volunteers required? 6
Volunteer Contact: Mrs Gillian Parker (0191 527 1168)
Press/Media Contact: Mrs Gillian Parker (0191 527 1168)
Organised by: Rosemary Lane Nursery School
REF E209

Woodland Pathway Maintenance
Where? Edinburgh, Lothian
When? 29th January 2003
What's it about? To maintain our woodland path (Roley's Wood). The path has a woodchip[ surface which constantly needs restoring.
Where's it happening? Currie Community High School, Dolphin Ave, Currie, Edinburgh
What will volunteers do? They will be barrowing wood chips to the path and raking to create a suitable surface.
What to wear/bring: Sensible outdoor clothing and footwear.
What will be provided: All tools, wheelbarrows and lunch.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Partial
Any restrictions? no
How many NEW volunteers required?
Press/Media Contact: Roley Walton (0131 449 2165 (day), 01506 413926 (eve))
Organised by: Currie Community High School
Email: roleywalton@blueyonder.co.uk
REF S22

Hedgerow 2003
Where? Edinburgh, Lothian
When? Wednesday 29th 2003
What's it about? To plant and maintain a hedgerow in the school wildlife garden. Only native Scottish trees and shrubs will be planted.
Where's it happening? S6 Currie High School, Dolphin Ave, Currie, Edinburgh
What will volunteers do? Dig suitable holes and plant hedge.
What to wear/bring: Suitable outdoor clothing.
What will be provided: Everything.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? No
How many NEW volunteers required?
Press/Media Contact: Roley Walton (0131 449 2165)
Organised by: Currie Community High School
Email: roleywalton@blueyonder.co.uk
REF S23

Nuts About Hazel
Where? Falmouth, Cornwall
When? 29th January 2003
What's it about? To get people involved in planting and learning about hazel coppice and its uses.
Where's it happening? Falmouth Green Centre, Union Rd, Falmouth
What will volunteers do? Plant hazel trees and learn about the importance of hazel and hazel products.
What to wear/bring: Warm waterproof clothing and stout footwear - steel toe-capped boots if possible. Please bring a packed lunch.
What will be provided: Tools, protective waterproof clothing and boots. Some refreshments.
Is there wheelchair access to the site?
Any restrictions? Any children under 17 must be accompanied by an adult.
How many NEW volunteers required? 5
Volunteer Contact: Jackie Baker (01326 377173)
Press/Media Contact: Jackie Baker (01326 377173)
Organised by: BTCV - Falmouth
REF E262

The Aberafan Cenotaph Project
Where? Merthyr, South Wales - Central
When? 29th January 2003
What's it about? To plant flowering bulbs to create a couple of striking beds around Aberafan war memorial.
Where's it happening? Aberafan War Memorial, Aberafan Rd, Aberafan, Merthyr
What will volunteers do? Volunteers (adults and kids) will work alongside local scouts in planting and designing the bulb beds, creating a substantial community project that has come from the community itself.
What to wear/bring: Sensible footwear and old work clothes, refreshments.
What will be provided: All tools and equipment, advice and physical help.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? Children must be accompanied by an adult.
How many NEW volunteers required? we are always looking for new members
Volunteer Contact: Sure Start (01443 693 276)
Press/Media Contact: Gavin Jones (01685 883 880)
Organised by: Helping Hands Group
Email: gjones@groundworkmerthyrrct.org.uk
REF W25

Northampton Community Clean-Ups
Where? Northampton, Northamptonshire
When? 29th January 2003
What's it about? Local community groups, residents associations etc. will undertake litter-picks, clean-ups, and tidy-ups.
Where's it happening? Studland Road Area, Northampton
What will volunteers do? A variety of tasks including litter picking, clearing rubbish, vegetation management and promotion and publicity.
What to wear/bring: Suitable warm and protective clothing and boots.
What will be provided: Bin bags, litter pickers and gloves; risk assessments prior to work; final disposal of rubbish.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? No
Any restrictions? No pets.
How many NEW volunteers required?
Press/Media Contact: Darren Rolls (01604 233500 ext. 4474 (day), 07941 280408 (eve))
Organised by: Northampton Borough Council
REF E294

Building Bird Nesting Boxes
Where? Brockenhurst, Hampshire
When? 29th & 30th January 2003
What's it about? Building wooden bird nesting boxes, esp, for sparrows and robins, to be used around garden/farm/woodland area of Trust site.
Where's it happening? Countryside Education Trust, Palace Lane, Beaulieu, Brockenhurst
What will volunteers do? Build wooden bird boxes, hang them up at appropriate site.
What to wear/bring: Old clothes, lunch.
What will be provided: Tools, timber, building plan, workspace, refreshments.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? No pets. No children. Volunteers will come through New Forest Employment Training Office.
How many NEW volunteers required?
Press/Media Contact: Ulrike Seydel (01590 612401)
Organised by: Countryside Education Trust
REF E284

Hilton Clearance Crew
Where? Hilton, Derbyshire
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

Belper School Environmental Action Team
Where? Belper, Derbyshire
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

Litter Bugs
Where? Cardiff, South Wales - Central
When? 31st January 2003
What's it about? Remove and collect litter from the local shops Countisbury Avenue.
Where's it happening? Countisbury Avenue, Llanrumney, Cardiff
What will volunteers do? Collect and bag litter.
What to wear/bring: Warm clothes, gloves.
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 W31

Birdwatch
Where? Cardiff, South Wales - Central
When? 31st January 2003
What's it about? Identify and collate information on a local birdwatch.
Where's it happening? The Rec, Newport Road, Cardiff
What will volunteers do? A bird observation on local birdlife.
What to wear/bring: Warm clothes, sturdy footwear.
What will be provided: Refreshments.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? No
Any restrictions? No
How many NEW volunteers required? 5
Volunteer Contact: Mrs Jones (02920 255161)
Press/Media Contact: Mrs Jones (02920 255161)
Organised by: The Sunday Afternoon Club
REF W49

Sutton Farm Cycleway Spring Cleanup
Where? Shrewsbury, Shropshire
When? Friday 31st January 2003
What's it about? Annual spring clean of local littered area.
Where's it happening? Sutton Farm Cycleway, Shrewsbury
What will volunteers do? Clean up heavily littered area.
What to wear/bring: Appropriate footwear and clothes.
What will be provided: Litter pickers, bags, removal of waste, lunch.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? No, but some climbing involved on banks.
How many NEW volunteers required? new volunteers welcome
Volunteer Contact: John Morris (01743 342321)
Press/Media Contact: John Morris (01743 342321 (day), 01743 235934 (eve))
Organised by: Shrewsbury College of Arts Technology
REF E210

Tree Planting at Harrys Wood
Where? Smisby (Nr), Derbyshire
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

Christmas Card Recycling
Where? Stafford, Staffordshire
When? From Christmas to end January 2003
What's it about? To recycle Christmas cards based on all the village halls within the county. (In 2000 2.5 tonnes of cards were collected, "saving" 33 trees!)
Where's it happening? collection points throughout the county, Stafford
What will volunteers do? Collect used Christmas cards and deposit them in receptacles provided to each village hall. Some volunteers will be invited to the weighing-in process, and to take their village's cards to a central weighing point.
What to wear/bring: Gloves to protect hands from handling heavy boxes, bags etc.
What will be provided: Collecting receptacles, transport of bags where volunteers unavailable, prize distribution and press arrangements and releases.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? Ideally 18+
How many NEW volunteers required? several from each participating village
Volunteer Contact: Brian Heathcote (01785 242525)
Press/Media Contact: Brian Heathcote/Andrew Haldern (01785 242525 (day, 01785 714547 (eve))
Organised by: Community Council of Staffordshire
Email: brian@staffs.org.uk
REF E31

Bath Organic Community Garden - Living Willow Sculptures
Where? Barth, Avon
When? 1st February 2003
What's it about? Creating living willow sculptures by planting willow "wands". The aim will be to create a variety of different forms in the shape of animals.
Where's it happening? Lower Common Allotments, Upper Bristol Road, Barth
What will volunteers do? Decide (in small groups) what form of structure/animal to make. Clear turf, make out base and plant willow wands in position.
What to wear/bring: Warm waterproof clothing & footwear. Food to share.
What will be provided: Light refreshments will be available in the polytunnel. Tools and gloves. Health and safety instruction. First aider will be on hand to deal with any minor accidents.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? No
Any restrictions? Children under 8 should be accompanied by an adult. Dogs are not encouraged, in any case must be kept on lead.
How many NEW volunteers required? as many as possible
Volunteer Contact: Tim Baines (01225 312116)
Press/Media Contact: Tim Baines (01225 312116)
Organised by: Bath Organic Group
Email: naturalhabitats@aol.com
REF E260

Hedgerows for Wildlife
Where? Basingstoke, Hampshire
When? 1st February 2003
What's it about? We would like to buy native species of trees to plant in our hedgerows - beech/holly/hazel
Where's it happening? Oakley Infant School, Oakley Lane, Oakley, Basingstoke
What will volunteers do? Prepare the site and plant the trees.
What to wear/bring: Protective clothing, some tools.
What will be provided: Refreshments, shelter.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? No pets.
How many NEW volunteers required?
Press/Media Contact: Lynette East (01256 780445 (day), 01256 389371 (eve))
Organised by: Oakley Infant School
Email: heather.harmon@oakley-inf.hants.sch.uk
REF E112

Refilling the Land
Where? Cardiff, South Wales - Central
When? 1st February 2003
What's it about? Take a group of volunteers and children to a landfill site to learn about recycling of kitchen waste. Setting up of a compost bin and building a bin out of wooden pallets.
Where's it happening? Lamby Way, Tremorfa, Cardiff
What will volunteers do? Learn about waste management and how to reduce household rubbish.
What to wear/bring: Warm clothes and sensible shoes.
What will be provided: Refreshments and transport.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? None.
How many NEW volunteers required? 10
Volunteer Contact: Miss K Royal (02920 633865)
Press/Media Contact: Karen Royal (02920 633865)
Organised by: Splott and Tremorfa Credit Union
REF W37

Seats for Today
Where? Cardiff, South Wales - Central
When? 1st February 2003
What's it about? We are going to improve a public seated area and varnish seat.
Where's it happening? Moorland Park, Splott, Cardiff
What will volunteers do? Clean and repair a seated public area.
What to wear/bring: Old, warm clothes and gloves.
What will be provided: Materials and refreshments.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? No
How many NEW volunteers required? 10
Volunteer Contact: Mike Wardle (02920 251506)
Press/Media Contact: Mike Wardle (02920 251506)
Organised by: Splott Adventure Amateur Boxing
Email: michael.wardle@ntlworld.com
REF W43

Card Making from Recycled Projects
Where? Manchester, Greater Manchester
When? 1st February 2003
What's it about? Using recycled materials we are going to make cards that we will donate to local charities.
Where's it happening? Gaddum House, 6 Great Jackson Street, Manchester
What will volunteers do? Make cards.
What to wear/bring: Nothing.
What will be provided: All the materials and lunch.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? No pets.
How many NEW volunteers required? 10
Volunteer Contact: Sally-Anne (0161 8330245)
Press/Media Contact: Samantha Elkailani (0161 8330245 (day) 07719 330207 (eve))
Organised by: CSV Go Manchester
Email: gomanchester@csv.org.uk
REF E319

Box Clever for Birds
Where? Stockton-on-Tees, Cleveland
When? 1st February 2003
What's it about? Build and put up approx 60 bird/bat boxes in Hardwick Dene, an area of greenspace situated in Hardwick Estate.
Where's it happening? Hardwick Dene, Hardwick, Stockton-on-Tees
What will volunteers do? Make bird and bat boxes in the workshops, learn which species are attracted to different designs. The boxes will then be taken to nearby Hardwick Dene and put up in the areas of woodland.
What to wear/bring: Old clothes, boots or wellingtons (site is muddy). Packed lunch.
What will be provided: Tea, coffee, juice.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? No
Any restrictions? All ages welcome, no pets allowed in offices/workshop. Any dogs brought to the Dene must be kept under control.
How many NEW volunteers required?
Press/Media Contact: Dave O'Brien (01642 808417 (day), 07713 985448 (eve))
Organised by: Tees Valley Wildlife Trust
REF E274

Bird Tables
Where? Barnetby, Lincolnshire
When? 2nd February 2003
What's it about? To build bird tables for senior citizens and children and erect same
Where's it happening? Wilmore Lane, Grasby, Barnetby
What will volunteers do? Supervise the building of bird tables
What to wear/bring: Everything supplied
What will be provided: All tools, plans and leaflets to take away
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? No
How many NEW volunteers required? no limit
Volunteer Contact: Ifor Barton (01652 628391)
Press/Media Contact: Ifor Barton (01652 628391)
Organised by: Grasby Project
Email: iforbarton@supanet.com
REF E47

Hooked 1
Where? Bridgend, South Wales - Central
When? Sunday 2nd February 2003
What's it about? To remove discarded litter and associated materials linked to fishing.
Where's it happening? Troes Lake, Bridgend
What will volunteers do? Remove litter from the edge and area surrounding the lake.
What to wear/bring: Cold weather clothing and protective gloves.
What will be provided: Refreshments.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? No
How many NEW volunteers required? approx 20
Volunteer Contact: Lyndon Villis (07753 163468)
Press/Media Contact: Lyndon Villis (07753 163468)
Organised by: Glamorgan Angling Association
REF W45

Hedge Management and Hedgelaying
Where? Broxburn, Lothian
When? 1st & 2nd February 2003
What's it about? To train volunteers and community group members in the theory and practice of hedgerow management, including hedgelaying as a traditional craft.
Where's it happening? Oatridge Agricultural College, Ecclesmachan, Broxburn
What will volunteers do? Be trained in the craft of hedgelaying and gain the theoretical and practical application skills of hedgerow management.
What to wear/bring: Waterproof clothing, notebook and writing implements
What will be provided: Tea/coffee, lunch, handouts related to the course. Tools, heatherings and stakes, instruction
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? 10+
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 S3

Recycling
Where? Cardiff, South Wales - Central
When? 2nd February 2003
What's it about? To use everyday throw-away objects and develop it into a recycled workshop.
Where's it happening? L.D.S. Community Hall, Cardiff
What will volunteers do? Help the children do a survey on throw away rubbish and the uses of recycling.
What to wear/bring:
What will be provided: Refreshments.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? Animals
How many NEW volunteers required? 5
Volunteer Contact: Mrs Jones (02920 255161)
Press/Media Contact: Mrs Jones (02920 255161)
Organised by: The Sunday Afternoon Club
REF W51

Woodland Regeneration
Where? Crosshill, Fife
When? 2nd February 2003
What's it about? Regeneration of ancient woodland with native species broadleaf trees.
Where's it happening? Harrow Hill Woodland, Crosshill
What will volunteers do?
What to wear/bring:
What will be provided:
Is there wheelchair access to the site? No
Any restrictions?
How many NEW volunteers required? new volunteer wanted
Volunteer Contact: ()
Press/Media Contact: Mark Pearson (07887 998975)
Organised by: Fife Air Cadets Conservation Group
REF S32

Coppicing
Where? Leighton Bromswold, Cambridgeshire
When? Sunday 2nd February 2003
What's it about? Cutting down small and medium trees leaving stools to regrow. Creating longer life to woodland and opening up areas to light. Creating more plant life and encouraging more wildlife.
Where's it happening? Leighton Gorse Wood, Leighton Bromswold
What will volunteers do? Cut down small trees with bow saws. Create dead hedging around coppice area with trimmings. Place larger trunk sections in pile, will be used as logs later. Tidy area.
What to wear/bring: All weather clothing, stout boots/footwear
What will be provided: Refreshments and sausage in a roll. Safety equipment. Washing facilities. Tools and training.
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 E30

Helping Breeding Waders: Island Homes
Where? Little Paxton, Cambridgeshire
When? Sunday 2nd February 2003
What's it about? Redshank and Lapwing are amber-listed birds of 'Conservation Concern'. Their continued successful breeding on the Sailing Lake at Lt Paxton depends on annual management of the vegetation on two islands. With Paxton Lakes Sailing Club members, RSPB volunteers will prepare habitat on the island ready for the birds' return in early March. The resulting breeding waders can be enjoyed by Sailing Club members and the Public (which has unrestricted access by permissive paths, around the lake).
Where's it happening? Paxton Lakes Sailing Club, Little Paxton
What will volunteers do? Volunteers will cross to the islands in the Sailing Club's rescue boat (under the control of Sailing Club members). Bushes and brambles will be cut and cleared by volunteers using bow saws, loppers and rakes. Some cutting will be done using machines operated by qualified (and certificated) expert volunteers. Cut material will be burnt on site. Some gravelly areas will be rotavated. Rotavators will be operated by selected volunteers with either previous experience or 'under training' by expert operatives.
What to wear/bring: Wear boots and warm clothing.
What will be provided: Protective gloves, knee pads, goggles, hardhats, all tolls, hot tea and coffee. Training in the safe use of all tools, and for working in the vicinity of machines, will be given before work starts. Transport to and from islands. Qualified first aider.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? No
Any restrictions? Access in and out of the boat is unsuitable for wheelchairs. Pets are not permitted for safety reasons. Volunteers must be aged 16 years or over (this restriction arises from insurance requirements covering the boat trip). All volunteers must be registered, in advance, as RSPB Volunteers.
How many NEW volunteers required? 5
Volunteer Contact: Ray Matthews (01480 215277)
Press/Media Contact: Ray Matthews (01480 215277)
Organised by: RSPB - St Neots Area
REF E207

Rotherlands
Where? Petersfield, Hampshire
When? 2nd February 2003
What's it about? To lay new surface over dangerously muddy paths
Where's it happening? Rotherlands, Grid Ref: SU765538, Petersfield
What will volunteers do? Dig out and level existing path. Lay waterproof membrane. Lay and secure split logs on edge of path and fill it with wood chippings.
What to wear/bring: Strong waterproof boots, gloves and jackets, refreshments.
What will be provided: Tools and materials
Is there wheelchair access to the site? No
Any restrictions? No. Pets at owners' risk.
How many NEW volunteers required? unlimited
Volunteer Contact: Mrs Pat Redhill (01730 267108)
Press/Media Contact: Mrs Pat Redhill (01730 267108)
Organised by: Rotherlands Conservation Group
REF E26

Whittingham Orchard Renovation
Where? Preston (nr.), Lancashire
When? Sunday 2nd February 2003
What's it about? In view of our successful work last year we have been invited back to carry out further renovation of the old orchard. Possibly the largest apple orchard in Lancashire, it was first planted in Victorian times and replanted in the 1950s. After a decade of neglect, pruning and new planting is now taking place.
Where's it happening? Whittingham Hospital, Whittingham Lane, nr. Goosnargh, Preston (nr.)
What will volunteers do? They will be trained to carry out pruning work on the apple trees using handsaws, secateurs and loppers.
What to wear/bring: Boots or steel-toe capped wellingtons, waterproof clothing, old clothing/hat, lunch.
What will be provided: Training, gloves, hot drinks, all tools. Shelter in van in case of very bad weather.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? No
Any restrictions? Able-bodied adults 18 to 75 years. Pre-booking essential in order to guarantee necessary training and supervision with available tools.
How many NEW volunteers required? 12 max
Volunteer Contact: David and Elizabeth Alexander (01524 412938)
Press/Media Contact: David and Elizabeth Alexander (01524 412938)
Organised by: Lancaster & District Conservation Volunteers
REF E1

Scrub Clearance at Thompson Common
Where? Watton, Norfolk
When? Sunday 2nd February 2003
What's it about? Clearance of invasive gorse scrub from an area of unimproved grassland at Thompson Common nature reserve. The reserve is a complex of open water, pools, streams, wet meadows and broad-leaved woodland. It is home to a number of nationally scarce species.
Where's it happening? Thompson Common Nature Reserve, Thompson, Watton
What will volunteers do? Cut and burn gorse scrub.
What to wear/bring: Packed lunch, protective and waterproof clothing
What will be provided: Tea, coffee and biscuits. Tools, gloves and safety helmets. Instruction in the safe use of tools.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? No
Any restrictions? No
How many NEW volunteers required? 10
Volunteer Contact: Steve Cook (01603 663345)
Press/Media Contact: Steve Cook (01603 663345)
Organised by: Norwich Environmental Weekenders (NEWS)
Email: steve.w.cook@bt.com
REF E250

Whitbread Bird Boxes/Blychau Adar Whitbread
Where? Welshpool, Mid Wales
When? Sunday 2nd February 2003
What's it about? Children from the 10 farming families which make up the 'Pontbren group' making nest boxes with the help of local experts. The plan is to make kestrel and owl boxes and nest boxes for smaller birds, and then site them within the area covered by the 10 Pontbren farms.
Where's it happening? Rhiwhiriaeth Community Center, nr. Llanfair Caereinion, Welshpool
What will volunteers do? Build nest boxes.
What to wear/bring: A smile!
What will be provided: Tools, materials, light refreshments.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions?
How many NEW volunteers required? None
Press/Media Contact: John Jenkins (01938 810275)
Organised by: Pontbren
REF W63

Projects led by young people aged 16-25