Singleton scoops two design awards

Tuesday, 9 February 2010

The Singleton Environment Centre in Ashford run by BTCV in partnership with Ashford Borough Council has scooped two more awards this week.

Buildings across the Ashford borough of all shapes and sizes were highlighted for their excellence at the Ashford Building Design & Construction Awards, held on Wednesday 27th January in the Council Chamber.

Architects of The Singleton Environment Centre, Architype, won two awards for the design of the sustainable building in Ashford. They won the The Sustainable Design category and also took top honours in the design category winning the Special Award for Innovative Design.

Fancy a look around?

Camden’s Community Orchards

Monday, 8 February 2010

Camden Council have partnered with BTCV's Carbon Army in developing an ambitious project to plant Community Orchards in housing estates and sheltered housing across Camden.

The project aims to promote local interest in food growing, green housing estates and encourage community groups to develop communal gardening projects in their neighbourhood.

Read all about it

Brighter futures for the young unemployed

Thursday, 4 February 2010

Eight young people who been out of work for almost a year are today looking forward to brighter futures after securing work through a new government scheme delivered by conservation charity BTCV.

In the past three months a group of jobless youngsters from York have been recruited by the UK’s leading conservation charity BTCV through the Government’s Future Jobs Fund.

Today, Yvette Cooper, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, will visit St George’s School in York to meet the new recruits and see their impressive conservation work who, under the supervision of a BTCV Project Supervisor, have been developing their skills by building a nature garden at a school in the city.

The 18 to 24-year-olds are working as Assistant Field Officers for a minimum of six months and are already learning new skills which will better equip them to continue their careers with BTCV or seek employment elsewhere.

BTCV York.

BTCV sweeps the Devon airwaves

Wednesday, 3 February 2010

Early risers tuning into their local BBC station in Devon last Saturday will have heard BTCV's Mel Holt talking to presenter Belinda Dixon about why a BTCV conservation holiday should be on everybody's travel wish list.

Listen to the interview on BBC Radio Devon again (starts at 35 minutes in)

Browse our holiday 2010 programme

Make a Splash for World Wetlands Day

Tuesday, 2 February 2010

Today is World Wetlands Day and we’re marking the occasion with various activities across the UK.

World Wetlands Day marks the date of the adoption of the Convention on Wetlands on February 2 1971, in the Iranian city of Ramsar. The awareness day aims to raise public awareness of wetland values and their benefits. We’re working on wetlands across the UK but this Saturday why not help us celebrate World Wetlands Day as our volunteers clears up the shores of the UK’s largest freshwater lake Lough Neagh near Toome, Northern Ireland?

Following the floods last year, there's plenty of fresh rubbish waiting to be cleared up before spring arrives. Gloves, plastic bags and hot tea provided. Find more information about our Loch Neagh task.

New Natural Talent apprenticeships open

Monday, 1 February 2010

Neatly coinciding with Apprenticeship Week 2010, the Heritage Lottery Fund has provided BTCV with additional funding for 12 more Natural Talent Apprenticeships.

Having successfully delivered 20 apprenticeships over the past 3 years, with 10 still in post, this money will be used to deliver a range of apprenticeships aimed at filling the gaps in taxonomy expertise and habitat management.

The apprenticeships will be delivered in Scotland and Northern Ireland over the next two years.

So, what's on the menu this time around?

Early in 2010, there will be 8 apprenticeships up for grabs, but you'll need to be quick. The closing date for most applications is the 1st March. They are:

Marine Macroalgae, based with SEPA in Aberdeen

Malacology, based with the National Museum Scotland, Edinburgh

Headwater Stream ecology, Clyde River Foundation, Glasgow and Buglife

Freshwater Invertebrates, Wildfowl and Wetland Trust, RSPB

Brownfield site ecology, Buglife

Grassland Fungi, National Trust Scotland, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh

Invasive Non Native Species, Cromarty Firth Fishery Trust

Upland ecology ( RSPB)

Full details of the current apprenticeships as well as additional information about our current apprentices, mentors, past apprentices and recruitment procedures can be found at www.btcv.org/naturaltalent.

John Mcfarlane, Environment Development Office for BTCV said “For 12 lucky individuals, this will be the beginning of a fantastic journey, but don't just take my word for it. Why not ask our apprentices? If you have a question for a specific apprentice, e-mail me j.mcfarlane@btcv.org.uk and I will forward your message onto them.”

There’s a Natural Talent blog too.

The first ever Green Gym work out video

Sunday, 31 January 2010

"Neon-lit gyms and Lycra are not for everyone. Pounding up and down on a treadmill can turn many people off the idea of exercise." says Nicky Solloway of the Yorkshire Post

Read the whole article and check out the video here

Discover the heart and soul of Japan

Friday, 29 January 2010

BTCV is heading to Japan in June to help build a nature reserve in a wildlife rich wilderness.

Volunteers holidaying with the charity will visit Hokkaido, the northernmost of Japan's four islands, where they will work with Kinashbetsu Wetland Trust to create a demonstration nature reserve.

Hokkaido represents about 20 per cent of the land area of Japan but is relatively sparsely populated with only five per cent of the population.

The area contains virgin forest, sand dunes, alpine plant areas, wetlands and farmland. The area is close to the most important wetland site in Japan and home to as many as 83 rare species of birds including Japanese crane, white tailed sea eagle, grey heron and Japanese snipe.

During the holiday from June 4th to 19th, participants will construct a bridge over a pond and a boardwalk around it. The aim is to encourage local people to use the reserve.

The trip also serves to build local and regional interest in volunteering. Having an international group working alongside locals encourages Japanese participants to see the true value of their own natural resources - and the fun involved in their conservation.

Full information on the holiday can be found here

For availibility and booking click here

One stop shop for fruit growing

Thursday, 28 January 2010

There is an abundance of fruit growing in UK gardens – sadly, a great deal of it goes to waste.

If you fancy growing your own fruit and sharing it with your friends and neighbours, this is the time of year to plant new trees. BTCV can provide the tools to do the job.

• Tree Planting and Aftercare handbook

• Some sturdy, safe footwear

• Garden spade

• Fruit trees cherry, hazel, wild pear, walnut, plum

• Tree protectors and stakes

• A recycled plastic BTCV mug to stand back and admire your work with (tea not included)

Voting opens for Live for the Outdoors

Wednesday, 27 January 2010

Over the next few weeks readers of Trail magazine and Country Walking magazine can vote for which outdoor project gets a share of 30,000 Euros – and BTCV is in the running.

The magazines, via their website Live for the Outdoors are presenting six projects from different groups including BTCV.

You have the chance to vote for which project you think deserves the money from the EOG Association for Conservation. Make sure you vote BTCV.

Together with Friends of the Lake District, we’ll use the cash to enhance biodiversity and landscape through practical work, celebrate our countryside and the traditional skills which keep it alive.

We’ll involve and train hundreds of volunteers from all walks of life. We can win the cash with your help. Vote Now

Wales teens are climate champions

Tuesday, 26 January 2010

Six teenagers have been named Climate Change Campions by the Welsh Assembly, at a special eco day hosted by BTCV.

The youngsters met Jane Davidson, Environment Minister for the Welsh Assembly Government and Ioan Jenkins, Director of BTCV Cymru .

They will each carry out a personal project to help reduce Wales’ carbon footprint.

The Champions’ busy schedule will include visiting and taking part in a wide range of projects, participating in the Welsh Assembly’s Climate Change Commission and meeting politicians and environmental experts.

Jane Davidson said: "The standard of this year’s entries were very high and the winners are outstanding. The Champions have done very well to be chosen.”

At the launch yesterday at BTCV Forest Farm in Cardiff, the champions were 'carbon doctors' for the day. They looked at how BTCV is working towards a sustainable future, how we source our energy and the steps we took to reduce our cardon footprint by 14.6% last year.

Climate change champion Nathan, 16, from Dolgellau, said, “Climate change is going to be the biggest challenge my generation face and I would like to be a part of trying to help make a difference.”

To find out more about the Climate Change Champions visit www.walescarbonfootprint.gov.uk

Georgia's making a world of difference

Monday, 25 January 2010

Georgia Tsakiri was lucky enough to be offered a placement with BTCV through Vodafone's World of Difference campaign.

She's two weeks into her South Manchester based placement so far and as part of the deal, she has keep a blog.

"I had a go at sharpening logs for hedging poles, with the aid of a billhook – the first two were a bit scruffy looking, but got the hang of it in the end! Alan showed me how to use an axe – I had a go, but I think I’ll stick to the bowsaw (although, a few swings a day can definitely help release any negative energy!!!)"

Follow Georgia's BTCV experience

Be on the cutting edge of ancient history with a BTCV holiday in Albania

Friday, 22 January 2010

Albania is a country of legends and rich history reflected in its almost untouched archaeological heritage. We've been working since 2002 in the now world famous Butrint National Park, and have seen the development of the new Albanian National Trust (ANT).

With ANT, we are now moving inland to one of Europe's least visited areas to start in on some fascinating archaeological recording in the historic town of Gjirokastra and create a new long-distance trail following Byron’s footsteps and the route of his famous expedition.

Byron's journey will become our journey as we venture into long-since unvisited villages and countryside attempting to retrace and map the route, opening up the area for future travellers.

Albania – In Byron’s Footsteps is running on Saturday 19 June to 3 July 2010and again on Saturday 28 August to 11 September 2010

See our information pages for full details.

To book, visit the holiday's page

Help for inmates to learn skills for employment

Thursday, 21 January 2010

BTCV Enterprises in Cumbria are helping prisoners to learn new job skills and secure work on their release.

Personal Work Advisor Matt Wall is based at Haverigg Prison in Millom, Lancashire, and works closely with inmates up to two years before the end of their sentence to develop skills and help them achieve qualifications.

Matt helps prisoners selected to take part in the Skills for Jobs for Offenders programme prepare for release, arranges jobs and further training and even meets the men at the prison gates when they’ve served their sentence. He is on hand for six months after their release to support them and help overcome barriers to employment, and once someone is in work he provides support to help them to sustain it.

“It can be very difficult to find employment when you have a criminal record,” said Matt “So this scheme is making a huge difference to people’s prospects and lives. We work closely with them when they do get a job and carry on with reviews for 6 months to ensure they settle in okay and arrange for someone to visit them if they need support.”

Find out more what about BTCV Enterprises do.

Green Gym Beats Pumping Iron

Wednesday, 20 January 2010

New BTCV volunteer Zofia Walczak was so impressed with her first Green Gym volunteering session she wrote an article about it. Zofia joined Camden Green Gym and can’t wait for next week’s session. Like many of us, Zofia admits trying conventional gyms and failing. “Gyms make me feel tired and bored,” she said. “The constant monotonous whir of exercise bikes and running machines, coupled with people in their own bubbles looking stressed and thinking about other things, monitoring their heart rates and counting every calorie they burn makes me depressed.” BTCV’s Green Gym, however, left Zofia feeling radiant. Read her enthusiastic article in Amelia’s Magazine

Vote BTCV and help win cash

Tuesday, 19 January 2010

Over the next few weeks readers of Trail magazine and Country Walking magazine can vote for which outdoor project gets a share of 30,000 Euros – and BTCV is in the running. The magazines, via their website Live for the Outdoors are presenting six projects from different groups including BTCV. From Monday January 25th you’ll have the chance to vote for which project you think deserves the money from the EOG Association for Conservation. Make sure you vote BTCV. Together with Friends of the Lake District, we’ll use the cash to enhance biodiversity and landscape through practical work, celebrate our countryside and the traditional skills which keep it alive. We’ll involve and train hundreds of volunteers from all walks of life. We can win the cash with your help. Vote Now

Honours for Stan - 91 and going strong!

Monday, 18 January 2010

Remarkable 91-year-old volunteer Stan Church has received an MBE in the New Years Honours List ' For voluntary service to Conservation in Essex'.

Stan has been volunteering with BTCV Essex for many years, sharing his vast knowledge of traditional skills with other volunteers and anybody else who shows an interest!

Stan also volunteers in his local area at Galleywood Common and Hanningfield Nature Reserve and is a campaigner for cycling in Chelmsford.

Feeling inspired (or put to shame!) by Stan's efforts? Try a day out with BTCV Essex

Exciting Leeds project launched

Friday, 15 January 2010

BTCV will launch an exciting three-year project in Leeds this evening - Access To Nature. We will be working with volunteers to create welcoming, well managed, wildlife rich sites across the city. BTCV has been awarded a grant from Natural England as part of Access to Nature, funded through the Big Lottery's Changing Spaces programme, with additional support from National Grid.

More than 20,000 people will be able to access and enjoy nature, though a programme of volunteering, environmental and conservation skills training, education and natural play, walks and wildlife gardening. The project will be launched this evening at the Leeds City Museum on Millennium Square.

Ring the changes

Wednesday, 13 January 2010

Workers are being challenged to bring an old mobile phone to work today to encourage recycling. Today is Bring a Phone To Work Day, a new national initiative to promote recycling and raise cash for charity. BTCV can help you set up a mobile phone recycling scheme. By recycling your old mobile you’ll also be helping to raise money for BTCV. Recycling for BTCV not only prevents millions of handsets being buried in landfill sites but all proceeds will be invested in BTCV’s work in local communities. Find out more about mobile phone recycling with BTCV

Lundy Island Marine Joy

Tuesday, 12 January 2010

Lundy island today becomes England's first Marine Conservation Zone. Lundy is the largest island in the Bristol Channel and lies 12 miles (19 km) off the coast of north Devon.

BTCV is running two conservation holidays to Lundy this year. Next month’s holiday is fully booked but there are places still available on the holiday in November (12th-19th). Rhododendron covers a large area of the east coast of Lundy and can encroach the Lundy Cabbages natural habitat.

Work will involve Rhododendron clearance, cutting, dragging and burning or chipping. The work is often on steep slopes and is physically demanding, but rewarding. You will be working within Natural England’s management plans for Lundy.

Accommodation is in 'The Barn', which is in the heart of the village (less than 2 minute's to the shop and pub).

Find out more about BTCV conservation holidays to Lundy Island

International Year of Biodiversity

Monday, 11 January 2010

Today sees the launch of the International Year of Biodiversity.

The U.N. has declared 2010 the International Year of Biodiversity (IYB) and throughout the year initiatives will be organised to promote the protection of biodiversity and encourage organisations, institutions, companies, and individuals to take direct action to reduce the constant loss of biological diversity worldwide In short, this year is about recognising that humans are part of nature’s rich diversity and have the power to protect or destroy it.

BTCV works to protect and enhance biodiversity.

To get involved in BTCV’s biodiversity work volunteer with a local project today.

Read more about IYB here