Working Together to Improve Norfolk's Wildlife
Conservation Volunteering
We welcome people of all ages and all degrees of fitness! You do not need any particular skills or experience, although we are always glad if a new volunteer does bring a particular expertise. Above all, we provide a friendly environment for people looking for a bit of company and conversation and some gentle (most of the time!) exercise in lovely surroundings. The benefits to both physical and mental health, whilst at the same time knowing you are helping to restore and improve the biodiversity of the local landscape, make every work party a really worthwhile experience.
A group of conservation volunteers meets a couple of times a month throughout the year. We usually meet in the morning, between 9.00 and 12.30, with a break for refreshments in the middle of the morning. Most work parties take place on weekdays, but sometimes on a Saturday for those working during the week. Tools are provided but please bring a stout pair of gloves and wear appropriate clothing and footwear.
Work Party Dates
Thurs Feb 20th: West Beckham Old Allotments/ West Beckham Green
Thurs Mar 6th: Hindolveston​
Thurs Mar 20th: Sustead
Thurs Apr 3rd: West Beckham Old Allotments
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Work party locations and activities are subject to change at short notice; please contact our Volunteer Coordinator Peter Maingay on pmaingay@gmail.com if you are planning to join a work party and are not already on our list of volunteers.
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The work is varied, and involves lopping, trimming, scything, raking, planting, habitat creation, digging, woodworking, sawing and general tidying up. One of the work party leaders will always tell you what to do and will provide you with the necessary equipment.
From time to time, there is a training session (for example, using an Austrian scythe or hazel coppicing).
"It’s really good to see that we have made a difference this morning!"
"I’m really glad I came!"
"Best of all was the chat with fellow volunteers – along with the free doughnuts!"
As well as welcoming individuals, we also collaborate with other organisations, including:
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Marsh Insurance, which sends a group of enthusiastic volunteers for a day’s conservation work each year
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Gresham’s School, which enables small groups of youngsters to spend a couple of hours each week out in the open air doing conservation tasks
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The local Explorer Scouts, who have joined us for sessions of coppicing and other woodcraft activities