Active Conservation

Berkshire Conservation Volunteers

Berkshire Conservation Volunteers (BeC) carry out practical conservation tasks for local wildlife trusts and local councils on Sundays. Meeting point for transport is Reading Station but advance booking is required.

Contact Neil Frankum, Membership Secretary at membership@berkshire-conservation-volunteers.org.uk or tel 0118 975 1528

Further information at www.berkshire-conservation-volunteers.org.uk

Berkshire Heathlands Project

Heathlands are relict landscapes which can still inspire a feeling of wilderness so rare today. Some areas of Berkshire heathland are being restored and managed for future generations.

In 1997, through a partnership of the Greenham Community Trust and the then Newbury District Council (now West Berkshire Council), the open area of the former Greenham airbase was acquired for public use and enjoyment. This area, owned by the Council, is part of Greenham and Crookham Commons and is a nationally important Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) containing rare and fragile heathland habitat. The Commons are the largest single block of lowland heath in Berkshire and the Council's 1,200 acre site offers an outstanding opportunity for local people to enjoy a vast open area.

To get involved contact: Greenham & Crookham Conservation Volunteers

We have lost over 90% of heathland in Berkshire during the last 200 years. These once extensive heathlands which made up a substantial part of the county have been reduced through ploughing, "improvement", development and neglect to around 40 fragmented and small sites, many still at risk. Despite this dramatic loss the counties of Surrey, Berkshire, Hampshire and Dorset account for 28% of the world's heathlands.

British Trust for Conservation Volunteers

BTCV organises workshops, training days and conservation working parties throughout Berkshire. A popular activity is the Green Gym programme especially aimed at the over fifties. Further information from BTCV Berkshire office at 14 Bridge Street, Caversham, Reading. E-mail Berkshire@btcv.org.uk or phone 0118 947 5049. National website at www.btcv.org

Burnham Beeches

Famous for its ancient, pollarded beech trees Burnham Beeches has been owned and managed by the Corporation of London since 1880. On the doorstep of Slough the 500 acres of woodland and common land are protected by Act of Parliament as a public open space "for the enjoyment of Londoners" and is a unique example of ancient managed woodland. Regular "voltasks" are organised throughout the year with local groups - no age limit. If you would like to join one contact the Head Keeper, Burnham Beeches Office, Hawthorn Lane, Farnham Common, Slough SL2 3TE, tel 01753 647358 or e-mail burnham.beeches@btinternet.com

Conservation Volunteers

Local groups throughout Berkshire welcome young and old and somewhere in between on numerous working parties. A good way to keep fit and active whilst benefitting wildlife and your local neighbourhood at the same time. Local groups are listed by area.

See also BTCV, Burnham Beeches, "Friends of" groups, Berkshire Conservation Volunteers and the Local Wildlife Trust.

Also visit the informative Wild Berks website for a fuller picture of wildlife and diverse habitats to be found around Berkshire.

"Friends of" Groups

"Friends of" community groups care for small woodlands and other areas of local wildlife or nature conservation interest. See your separate area information.

Hedge & Woodland Conservationists

Coppicing and hedgelaying work in the Bracknell, Woodley & Wokingham area. Contact: Val Batt-Rawden, Chair on 01344 455909

National Trust

National Trust volunteers help with local conservation work. Contact:

Maidenhead & South Bucks NT Volunteers - Iain Bell, tel 01344 872456 or Emma Waterfield, tel 01628 784496

Reading National Trust Volunteers - e-mail Sean, Membership Secretary at membership@reading-ntv.org.uk, tel 0118 935 3017. Website www.reading-ntv.org.uk

NT volunteers have also been helping with important conservation and restoration work on the Runnymede and Ankerwycke estates on the Thames near Wraysbury. Contact Colin Birch on 01784 432891.

Volunteers also do survey and practical work with the Otters and Rivers Project. Contact Project Officer 01865 775476

An excellent way of combining your favourite physical exercise with raising money for conservation. Organisations running sponsored events in Berkshire include the local Wildlife Trust and World Wide Fund for Nature. For the really fit and energetic there's the Wokingham Half Marathon in May. Watch the Events Diary for details.

Wildlife Trust

The Local Wildlife Trust, Berkshire Buckinghamshire Oxfordshire own, lease or manage 88 nature reserves throughout the three counties. The Trust offers many opportunities for people to get involved directly in conservation work by joining one of over a dozen work parties. Volunteers are also needed for wardening, fund-raising and helping at special events including the annual sponsored walk.

Ask for details and information packs about:

Gardeners' Wildlife Challenge - how to make your garden more wildlife-friendly.
Go Wild in Your School Grounds - projects to get your school involved by pond digging, creating a wildflower meadow or planting trees.
Living Churchyard Schemes - churchyards can offer a refuge for much wildlife and plants if managed carefully.
Putting Wildlife on the Map - information pack aimed at encouraging community groups to take up wildlife survey projects of their area.
Sustainable Living Guide - free guide covers issues such as water conservation, energy use, recycling, composting etc.
Discovering Wildlife in Berkshire - places with disabled access.

Contact the Community Conservation Officer at The Local Wildlife Trust, Berkshire Office, Woolley Firs, Cherry Garden Lane, Maidenhead. Tel: 01628 829574. Website: www.bbowt.org.uk See also Nature Conservation for species projects.

For enquiries about membership contact the Oxford office on 01865 775476. A comprehensive programme of walks, talks visits and workshops is open to all. Wildlife Watch is the organisation for children and we run a number of Wildlife Watch groups at centres in Berkshire. Contact the Wildlife Watch officer at the Oxford office.

LOCAL WILDLIFE WATCH GROUPS

Earley Wildlife WATCH (Junior Rangers Group) - runs on the First Sunday of every month from 10 am to 12 noon. Parents will need to fill out a consent form on the childs first visit. Please bring waterprrof clothing or sun cream according to weather forecast!

A range of practical and fun activities on an environmental theme for children aged 8-12 years old. Younger children may also attend, but must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at the new interpretation centre in Istow Road, Earley.

For more information contact Helen Bowden at Earley Town Council 0118 986 8995

Maidenhead Wildlife WATCH - Contact Braywick Nature Centre 01628 777440 for further details.

Reading Wildlife WATCH - Environment Centre, Prospect Park. Contact Sarah Moore to find out more on 07712 669270 .

Tree Wardens

Tree wardens help in the planting, monitoring and management of trees in their local areas. Training days are also organised by the Tree Council which operates the scheme. The Tree Warden scheme operates in the Windsor & Maidenhead area.