Volunteers needed in Broadway
Wednesday 18th January 2012
Broadway Gravel Pit volunteers (c) Anna Bunney
Residents across the Vale of Evesham are being invited to make a New Year Resolution to get out and about for wildlife.
Worcestershire Wildlife Trust is looking for new recruits to help manage Broadway Gravel Pit nature reserve. To help people new to volunteering discover what’s involved the conservation charity are running a taster day on Wednesday 25th January.
Anna Bunney, the Trust’s volunteer co-ordinator, explained “Broadway Gravel Pit is a small wetland nature reserve that floods seasonally. It features open water, scrub and carr woodland – it’s been recolonised by plenty of birds, plants and animals since being used for gravel extraction.
“The taster day will give participants the chance to get involved with hands-on management such as cutting down selected trees and burning the debris.”
Volunteers on the day will also be given a tour of the reserve and will learn about the management techniques used there.
Great for Wildlife
Broadway Gravel Pit is owned by Wychavon District Council and leased to the Wildlife Trust. It became a nature reserve following a successful campaign to prevent the site becoming a lorry park. It now attracts birds like chiffchaffs, cuckoos, bullfinches and yellowhammers along with dragonflies, butterflies and a wide range of other invertebrates.
Mutual Benefit
Anna continued “Volunteers are vital to the Trust – without our 450 volunteers across the county we couldn’t do the range of work we do. From practical conservation to education volunteering, volunteer are involved with all aspects of our work.
“It’s not just us that benefit, however, there can be enormous benefits for the volunteers too. It’s a chance to meet new people and learn new skills as well providing the opportunity to keep fit in the great outdoors.
The taster day at Broadway Gravel Pit will take place on Wednesday 25th January between 10am and 3pm. Anyone interested should contact Anna to book their free place on 01905 754919 or email anna@worcestershirewildlifetrust.org
No previous experience is necessary and all tools and instruction will be provided. Participants should wear suitable clothing and sturdy footwear and bring a packed lunch.
To follow our volunteers on their blog visit www.worcestershirewildlifetrust.blogspot.com.
Tagged with: Broadway Gravel Pit, Taster Day, Volunteer