Projects taking place in the week beginning 3 February 2003

Barn Owl Box Repairs
Where? Bradfield, Berkshire
When? Tuesday 4th February 2003
What's it about? Repairing damaged boxes of the many erected by the project over the last 8 years, to attempt to increase the barn owl population.
Where's it happening? Rushall Manor Farm, Back Lane, Bradfield
What will volunteers do? Recover and repair weather damaged barn owl boxes before returning them to barn owl nesting areas. Repairs will involve basic woodwork and re-felting.
What to wear/bring: Suitable warm clothing, lunch.
What will be provided: Tools, gloves and a team leader.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? Not suitable for dogs.
How many NEW volunteers required? 5
Volunteer Contact: Karen Davies (0118 930 5336)
Press/Media Contact: Karen Davies (0118 930 5336)
Organised by: Pang and Kennet Valleys Countryside Project
Email: kennet@valleys.freeserve.co.uk
REF E120

Hedgelaying at Morley
Where? Derby, Derbyshire
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

Tree Planting at Falkirk Primary School
Where? Falkirk, Central
When? 4th February 2003
What's it about? Improve diversity of the school play field and allow children to plant new trees.
Where's it happening? Carron Primary School, Falkirk
What will volunteers do? Plant, stake and protect newly planted trees.
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?
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 S15

Habitat Management at Kings Wood, Houghton Conquest
Where? Houghton Conquest, Bedfordshire
When? Tuesday 4th February 2003
What's it about? To carry out essential habitat management within an ancient woodland. The work will include the coppicing and tidy-up of a small plot.
Where's it happening? Kings Wood Nature Reserve, Rectory Lane, Houghton Conquest
What will volunteers do? Coppicing a small area of woodland to increase the biodiversity and encourage woodland awareness.
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 18, no dogs.
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 E139

Wecock Woodland Volunteers
Where? Waterlooville, Hampshire
When? 4th February 2003
What's it about? We are a group of local people who are looking after the woods, learning new skills and meeting new friends.
Where's it happening? Wecock Wood, near Newbolt Close, Cowplain, Waterlooville
What will volunteers do? We have an area of hazel to coppice and to tidy up, we also keep it clear of rubbish.
What to wear/bring: Old clothing, good shoes or welly boots.
What will be provided: All tools, hard hats, gloves, all refreshments.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? No
Any restrictions? Must be over 18.
How many NEW volunteers required? as many as we can get
Volunteer Contact: Mrs Jean Reeder (023 92 267151)
Press/Media Contact: Mrs Jean Reeder (023 92 267151)
Organised by: Wecock Woodland Volunteers
REF E204

Catcott Heath Nature Reserve Improvements
Where? Catcott, Somerset
When? Sunday 5th February 2003
What's it about? To extend fen meadow area to encourage marsh fritillary butterfly. This will be achieved by selective tree felling to reduce water loss, by cleaning internal ditches by raking out debris and by cutting purple moor grass. Wood to be cut/chipped for improving access ways.
Where's it happening? Higher Ropes Drove, Catcott
What will volunteers do? Fell trees and cut to 2m lengths using bowsaws. Clean debris from ditch using ditch rakes. Burn brash. Lay 2m lengths as "corduroy" paths.
What to wear/bring: Lunch, protective (rain) clothing, wellingtons or walking boots.
What will be provided: Training and supervision, hot tea/coffee, tools, first aid box/first aider.
Is there wheelchair access to the site?
Any restrictions? Under 12s must be accompanied by adult. No pets.
How many NEW volunteers required? up to 10
Volunteer Contact: Ann Lees (01278 641521)
Press/Media Contact: Norman Lees (01278 641521)
Organised by: Sedgemoor Conservation Volunteers
Email: leesmark@supanet.com
REF E256

Broad Lane Tree or Shrub Screen in Front of Industrial Estate
Where? Coventry, Warwickshire
When? 5th February 2003
What's it about? To plant a tree/shrub screen to hide an unsightly scrap heap at a local industrial estate.
Where's it happening? Broad Lane, Coventry
What will volunteers do? Clear, prepare and plant trees or shrubs.
What to wear/bring: Normal gardening clothes. Refreshments.
What will be provided: Help and advice, some tools (spades, forks).
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? None.
How many NEW volunteers required? Anyone welcome
Volunteer Contact: Fred Nolan (01276 465350)
Press/Media Contact: Fred Nolan (01276 465350)
Organised by: Broad Lane Ratepayer's Association
REF E7

Green Team - Woodland Management
Where? Newport, Isle of Wight
When? Wednesday 5th February
What's it about? To improve the wet woodland habitats of this LNR. Hazel will be coppiced to bring it back into sustainable use, supporting local red squirrel populations.
Where's it happening? Dixons Copse, Newport
What will volunteers do? Working under ranger instruction, help to coppice trees and clear land. Access and fencing will also be examined.
What to wear/bring: Wear sensible clothing and sturdy footwear. Bring any food required.
What will be provided: Tools and training. Tea and coffee
Is there wheelchair access to the site? No
Any restrictions? Under 16s must be accompanied by a responsible adult
How many NEW volunteers required? 4
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 E82

Fence Building
Where? York, North Yorkshire
When? 5th February 2003
What's it about? To provide a fence to protect a hawthorn hedge round burial ground from vandals and livestock.
Where's it happening? Quaker Burial Ground, The Retreat, Heslington Road, York
What will volunteers do? Volunteers will be involved in all aspects of fence building and as a result, will learn new skills which they can use in their communities or employment.
What to wear/bring: Warm clothes, study footwear and waterproofs. Packed lunch. No experience necessary.
What will be provided: Boots and waterproofs if needed, plus all tools and safety gear. Tea/coffee and biscuits. Transport from York for up to 13 people.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? No pets. Over-16 but under-18 need parental permission.
How many NEW volunteers required? 5
Volunteer Contact: James Fleetwood (01904 644300)
Press/Media Contact: James Fleetwood (01904 644300)
Organised by: BTCV - York
Email: york@btcv.org.uk
REF E106

Plant a Tree for 2003
Where? Hertford, Herefordshire
When? 6th February 2003
What's it about? To plant fruit & nut trees on the allotment site for the mutual benefit of plot-holders for years to come.
Where's it happening? Hertford Town Council Allotments, North Road, Hertford
What will volunteers do? for the past 2 years a group has formed to bring a half used allotment site into full production. clearing rubbish & plots. Volunteers would prepare planting areas and plant trees.
What to wear/bring: A willing pair of hands, warm waterproof clothing, spade or fork if they have one and a mug.
What will be provided: Garden tools and hot tea.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Partial
Any restrictions? No. Allotments can be rented by anyone for approx £22 per year (concessions & 1/2 plots available)
How many NEW volunteers required? 10
Volunteer Contact: Linda and Brian Wilkerson (01992 587876)
Press/Media Contact: Brian Wilkerson (01992 587876)
Organised by: The North Road Plotholders Group
Email: wilkersonnra@aol.com
REF E223

Graeme Greenies Greenhouse
Where? Falkirk, Central
When? 6th - 31st January (collection of bottles), 5th-7th February (construction of greenhouse)
What's it about? A greenhouse constructed from 2 litre plastic drinks bottles is to be erected in the school's internal courtyard. It will be used as a teaching resource (for the growing of plants for Intermediate 1 Biology), as well as to grow plants for selling at the school Spring Fayre and to display in the school building. Hundreds of bottles are required to make this construction. In order to encourage pupils to bring these to school an incentive will be provided - each pupil will be invited to write their name on each bottle they supply. Once a week there will be a lucky dip from the collection receptacle - the pupil whose name is on the withdrawn bottle will receive a £15 music or book voucher. Funding is requested to support this part of the initiative. The greenhouse will be constructed by pupils, under the supervision of 'Sustainable Communities Initiatives' (www.sci-scotland.org.uk) and 2 members of staff
Where's it happening? Graeme High School, Callendar Road, Falkirk
What will volunteers do? Collect clean plastic bottles from home, bring them to school where they will be labelled and placed in a collecting receptacle.
What to wear/bring: Plastic bottles
What will be provided: Collecting receptacle. Reward vouchers - £15/week for 4 week period
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions?
How many NEW volunteers required?
Press/Media Contact: Helen Winton (01324 622576 (day))
Organised by: Falkirk Council Education Services
REF S10

GC Ground Force - Going Potty
Where? Gateshead, Tyne & Wear
When? Friday 17th, 24th and 31st January & 7th February 2003
What's it about? Community gardening project - decorative flower pots for the residential homes of the Gateshead area.
Where's it happening? Gateshead
What will volunteers do? Design and produce flower pots.
What to wear/bring: Protective clothing.
What will be provided:
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? Under 25s only.
How many NEW volunteers required?
Press/Media Contact: Tracey Wallace (0191 4900 300)
Organised by: GC Groundforce
REF E149

Otter Holt Construction
Where? Newport, South Wales - East
When? 7th February 2003
What's it about? Involving schools and local groups, three stages of an otter holt will be constructed with the third and finished holt being stripped for schools to construct with different groups.
Where's it happening? Newport
What will volunteers do?
What to wear/bring:
What will be provided:
Is there wheelchair access to the site?
Any restrictions?
How many NEW volunteers required?
Organised by: Troed-y-Rhiw Environmental Project
REF W75

Nest Boxes for 2003
Where? Barnetby, Lincolnshire
When? 8th February 2003
What's it about? To produce kits for the youngest of children (and elder people) to make their own nest box
Where's it happening? The Old Vicarage, Station Rd, Grasby, Barnetby
What will volunteers do? Supervise the building of nest boxes
What to wear/bring:
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 E46

Schools Landscape Project
Where? Basingstoke, Hampshire
When? 8th February 2003
What's it about? To invite parents and local community to support and help the clearing of part of or grounds, ready for the children to then plant bulbs, plants etc.
Where's it happening? Manor Field Infant School, Haydn Road, Brighton Hill, Basingstoke
What will volunteers do? Clear overgrown shrubs, clear litter, clear tree trunks to enable access to woodland, fell small trees and bushes, dig out unwanted undergrowth.
What to wear/bring: Warm clothes (depending on weather), gloves, wellingtons or strong shoes/boots.
What will be provided: Cutting/chopping equipment.
Is there wheelchair access to the site?
Any restrictions? No pets. All ages welcome (though probably not safe for under 5s)
How many NEW volunteers required?
Press/Media Contact: Penny Bullough (01256 350300)
Organised by: Manor Field Infant School
REF E300

Bath Organic Community Garden - Apples & Pears
Where? Bath, Avon
When? 8th February 2003
What's it about? Activity day in the community orchard - pruning fruit trees, mulching, clearing long grass in spring meadow, planning future activities over a shared lunch/picnic.
Where's it happening? Lower Common Allotments, Upper Bristol Road, Bath
What will volunteers do? Undertake practical work on fruit tree/orchard maintenance.
What to wear/bring: Warm waterproof clothing and footwear. Food to share.
What will be provided: Light refreshments. Tools and gloves. Training will be given to ensure health and safety.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? No
Any restrictions? More suitable for adults. Children will need to be supervised by their parents/guardians. Dogs will need to be kept on a lead.
How many NEW volunteers required? up to 10
Volunteer Contact: Susan Whitehead (01225 481097)
Press/Media Contact: Tim Baines (01225 312116)
Organised by: Bath Organic Group
Email: naturalhabitats@aol.com
REF E261

Yellow Pages
Where? Cardiff (nr.), South Wales - Central
When? 8th February 2003
What's it about? Set up a collection point to collect yellow pages.
Where's it happening? Splott Library, Splott, Cardiff (nr.)
What will volunteers do?
What to wear/bring:
What will be provided:
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions?
How many NEW volunteers required? 10
Volunteer Contact: ()
Organised by: South Splott Residents Association
REF W22

Woodland Trail
Where? Gosport, Hampshire
When? Saturday 8th February 2003
What's it about? A marked trail with information and investigation points through woodland habitat. Food chains and seasonal differences would be key learning objectives for 7-11 year olds.
Where's it happening? Gomer Junior School, Pyrford Close, Gosport
What will volunteers do? Attach information boards/numbers to stakes. Stakes fixed into position within school grounds. Trail made safe and accessible. Litter pick.
What to wear/bring: Gloves.
What will be provided: Tools for adults, refreshments.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? No
Any restrictions? No pets.
How many NEW volunteers required?
Press/Media Contact: Ross Irving (023 9252 4312 (day), 01329 234187 (eve))
Organised by: Gomer Junior School
REF E113

Winter Warmer Workday
Where? Machen, South Wales - Central
When? 8th February 2003
What's it about? Sustrans is seeking volunteers to work for the day on the National Cycle Network - Celtic Trail, a new local amenity for cyclists and walkers. The day will involve tree planting, creating viewing windows and general maintenance, including a much-needed litter pick.
Where's it happening? Celtic Trail, Machen
What will volunteers do?
What to wear/bring:
What will be provided:
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions?
How many NEW volunteers required? 5
Volunteer Contact: ()
Organised by: Sustrans Cymru
REF W79

Beachcombing
Where? Porthcawl, South Wales - Central
When? 8th February 2003
What's it about? Going to Newton Beach to do a spring clean.
Where's it happening? Newton Beach, Porthcawl
What will volunteers do? Remove debris from beach and take to landfill site.
What to wear/bring: Warm outdoor clothes.
What will be provided: Litter pick ups and refreshments.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? No
How many NEW volunteers required? 10-25
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 W44

Deadwood Forest
Where? Swadlincote, Derbyshire
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

Bird Box Building
Where? Bath, Avon
When? Sunday 9th February 2003
What's it about? Working with a group of 10 young volunteers to build 10 bird boxes to be installed around Bath City Farm. We will make several different sorts of bird boxes for various species of birds, ie. blue tits, robins, wrens, owls and other birds of prey.
Where's it happening? Bath City Farm, Kelston View, Whiteway, Bath
What will volunteers do? Build bird boxes. Help to erect them at a later date, after they have been treated with environmentally friendly wood preserver.
What to wear/bring: Packed lunch, strong footwear, waterproofs.
What will be provided: Refreshments, protective clothing, tools, material and travel expenses.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? Must be aged between 16 and 25.
How many NEW volunteers required? up to 10
Volunteer Contact: Helen Leverill (01225 481269)
Press/Media Contact: Helen Leverill (01225 481269 (day), 07949 923297 (eve))
Organised by: Bath City Farm
Email: bathcityfarm@voluntaryfirst.org
REF E110

Wiston Weekend
Where? Biggar (nr.), Strathclyde
When? 8th-9th February 2003
What's it about? To improve the grounds of Winston Lodge for wildlife value and for people using the grounds through a range of conservation activities including environmental art.
Where's it happening? Wiston Lodge, Wiston, Biggar (nr.)
What will volunteers do? Various activities including clearing rhododendron from the woodland, improving some paths and working with willow to create environmental sculptures.
What to wear/bring: Working clothes, boots or wellingtons, hat, gloves and warm coat plus waterproofs.
What will be provided: Transport from Edinburgh, overnight accommodation and food. Tools, protective clothing, risk assessment, leaders, first aid, materials and equipment.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? Age range between 14 and 25. No pets.
How many NEW volunteers required?
Press/Media Contact: Penny Radway (0131 558 9571 (day), 0131 555 5488 (eve))
Organised by: The Green Team
Email: info@greenteam.abel.co.uk
REF S31

Pond Clearance
Where? Grafham, Cambridgeshire
When? Sunday 9th February 2002
What's it about? Remove debris from pond, open up area around pond to allow light in. This will bring the pond back to life, increasing pond life and wildlife in the immediate area.
Where's it happening? West Wood, Ollington to Grafham Road, Grafham
What will volunteers do? Using bow saws and slashers, remove overgrowth from around the pond. Using crome, drag out debris from pond and place into habitat piles.
What to wear/bring: All weather clothing, wellington boots
What will be provided: Refreshments and sausage in a roll. Safety equipment. Washing facilities. Tools and training.
Is there wheelchair access to the site?
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 E28

Butterfly Endangered Species Team (B.E.S.T.)
Where? Grange-over-Sands, Cumbria
When? Sunday 9th February 2003
What's it about? We are creating coppiced areas and wide rides in ancient broadleaved woodland to benefit endangered fritillary butterflies and flora.
Where's it happening? Yew Barrow, nr. Witherslack, Grange-over-Sands
What will volunteers do? Clear scrub growth, widen rides
What to wear/bring: Wellies or boots, wet weather gear, packed lunch
What will be provided: Tools, gloves
Is there wheelchair access to the site? No
Any restrictions?
How many NEW volunteers required? as many as possible
Volunteer Contact: Steve Doyle ( 015395 63134)
Press/Media Contact: Steve Doyle ( 015395 63134)
Organised by: Butterfly Conservation North West/Cumbria
REF E33

Grazing Marsh Restoration
Where? Ramsgate (nr), Kent
When? Sunday 9th February 2003
What's it about? Controlling the scrub to encourage the marsh helliborine and the bee orchid.
Where's it happening? Stonelees, Chanet, Ramsgate (nr)
What will volunteers do? Scrub clearance
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: Peter Forrest (07889 822408/01843 851137)
Press/Media Contact: Dan Attwood (01622 662012)
Organised by: Kent Wildlife Trust
Email: info@kentwildlife.org.uk
REF E52

Bird Nesting Boxes
Where? Sleaford, Lincolnshire
When? 8/2/03
What's it about? To make bird boxes for girls to erect in their gardens.
Where's it happening? Parva House, Little Hale, Sleaford
What will volunteers do? Make the bird nesting boxes out of wood
What to wear/bring: Normal clothes
What will be provided: Everything needed to prepare and make a bird box
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Partial
Any restrictions? Must be members of the Girl Guides UK
How many NEW volunteers required? None
Press/Media Contact: Elizabeth Tebbs (020 7834 62 42)
Organised by: 2nd Nettleham Guides
REF E334

Litter Pick - Tidy Village
Where? Waterhouses, Durham
When? 9th February 2003
What's it about? Litter pick
Where's it happening? Deerness Walk, Waterhouses
What will volunteers do? Collect all litter, bag and take to collection point.
What to wear/bring: Clothed for weather conditions.
What will be provided: Waste bags, litter picker sticks (limited number), plastic gloves.
Is there wheelchair access to the site? Yes
Any restrictions? None
How many NEW volunteers required?
Press/Media Contact: Rhona Foster (0191 373 6054)
Organised by: Waterhouses Community Association
REF E254

Projects led by young people aged 16-25