January is the perfect time for a fresh start and environmental learning charity Earth Trust is aiming to help you stick to your New Year’s resolution to get fit or get out more with the launch of its new volunteer group. Taking place every Thursday, the work party will carry out practical conservation tasks on the Trust’s community nature reserves in Abingdon.
Earth Trust has been managing Thrupp Lake since 2009 and was recently awarded a one year management contract to look after some of the land that is now grassland and developing woodland within the complex of former lakes at Radley. This addition, along with the management of nearby Abbey Fishponds, has led to the need for more volunteers to help improve the sites for wildlife and visitors.
“We’ve been running monthly work parties at our Abingdon reserves for years but taking on the extra land at Radley means there’s more work to do and we need more people power. Our volunteers are incredible and these greenspaces wouldn’t be as well looked after without people volunteering their skills and time. The work parties are really friendly and enthusiastic, and everyone enjoys getting out in the fresh air and getting stuck in. Volunteering can be a great way to meet like-minded people, pick up new skills and get some exercise,” said Lucy Tomkinson, Community Reserves Warden at the Earth Trust.
Winter work is already underway on the nature reserves and the existing volunteer group at Radley has made an excellent start by clearing willow to create open feeding areas for wading birds and orchid glades. But we need more help!
“It’s fantastic to have new projects to tackle at Radley and we have already been rewarded with some great wildlife sightings, including snipe, woodcock and a barn owl. There’s still a lot to do so we’re looking forward to welcoming some new members to the group to help out,” added Lucy.
For more information about volunteering with the Earth Trust see www.earthtrust.org.uk/volunteer