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Environmental volunteers to be recognised across Europe
Wednesday, 21 May 2008
Recognition for skills gained informally is a key feature of the first Europe-wide accreditation scheme for Environmental Volunteers.
“Environments for Learning” will enable skills gained in the UK to be recognised by environmental organisations in many other countries. The programme is being developed by BTCV and partners across Europe, based on the new European Qualification Framework. Often gained informally through practical work, volunteers’ knowledge and capabilities will be assessed, accredited and recognised using a standard pan-European system
“This will be especially important for our younger volunteers, who often take time out before, during or after studies,” says Anita Prosser, Head of International Development at leading environmental conservation charity BTCV, the UK partners in the scheme. “It will also benefit those de-motivated by studying, who learn new skills in a friendly and informal setting”.
The five pilot areas covered by the scheme will be leadership, project management, trail management, nature management and citizenship/community development.
The Environments for Learning project is run by BTCV and is funded by the European Union’s Leonardo da Vinci programme for improving the quality of vocational education and training in Europe. It will formally launch across Europe in September 2008. The seven project partners are from five countries: BTCV (UK), Green Balkans (Bulgaria), Estonian Fund for Nature (ELF, Estonia), Hólar University College and Environment Agency of Iceland (UST) (Iceland), Elix Conservation Volunteers and KESSA DIMITRA (Greece).
Conservation work attracting more people with disabilities, says new report
Thursday, 20 March 2008
A massive increase in the number of disabled people taking part in environmental conservation activities is reported by BTCV, the UK’s largest practical conservation charity.
According to the BTCV Diversity Report 2008, the greatest rise was amongst BTCV’s key volunteers, where the proportion classing themselves as disabled has gone from zero to one-in-ten in just two years. For all BTCV volunteers, the figure has moved from 9% to 11%, while the percentage of paid staff reported as disabled has more than quadrupled from 2.5% to 12%. Conditions range from limited mobility and hearing impairment to Dyslexia.
“The results highlight the success of BTCV’s policy to include individuals and groups traditionally under-represented in the environmental sector,” says Tom Flood, BTCV’s Chief Executive.
The figures also show a healthy diversity across the board, with BTCV involving over 80,000 individuals in diversity-related work, with over 20,000 (25%) from a BME background. The survey for the first time also identified 9% of BTCV staff as White but not British, giving a combined total of 12% BME and ‘White Other’, as compared with 7.9% of the UK population. 37% of all people involved in BTCV activities come from communities under-represented in environmental volunteering; for example refugees and asylum seekers, those at risk of offending and people living in poverty.
Green Gym celebrates 10 year milestone
Thursday, 21 February 2008
Ten years ago the first Green Gym was set up in Sonning Common, Oxfordshire to try out the theory that you really can keep fit and healthy by doing practical nature conservation. That pioneering group has proved the theory works, and it continues to attract new volunteers of all ages as well as retain old hands who joined at the very start.
The original Green Gym idea came from Dr. William Bird of the Sonning Common Health Centre, which developed it in partnership with BTCV. Since then over 60 Green Gyms have been set up by BTCV throughout the country, with more in the pipeline. Oxfordshire now boasts 5 Green Gyms, the most in any county – Abingdon, Bicester, Chipping Norton and Wallingford have been added to Sonning Common.
The anniversary will be celebrated with a giant work party at Aston Rowant Nature Reserve on Thursday 6th March. All 5 Oxon groups will be participating, as well as Dr.William Bird. They will be cutting down hawthorn scrub which is threatening to choke out the wonderful variety of wildflowers and mosses growing on the Chiltern hillside. The Reserve is also celebrating an anniversary this year - its 50th.
The Sonning Common group has been volunteering at Aston Rowant every month for 10 years, drawn by the many different types of conservation tasks it offers such as fencing, gate installation and juniper planting. “I love coming here because there’s always something new to do. We’ve seen it in all sorts of weather - fog, snow, blazing sun, but you never tire of the fantastic views” says founder member Diane Gordon. During the anniversary session a bench will be installed in memory of Fred Denton, another founder volunteer.
Speed-dating launched for green-minded singles
Tuesday, 12 February 2008
SINGLE people in York are to have the chance to find romance - and save the planet at the same time.
An environmental charity is using the city to introduce the world to eco-dating, a new form of match-making.
The organisers are BTCV, the largest practical conservation charity in the country.
According to the charity, eco-dating is speed dating for environmentally-conscious singles aged 20-40 and organisers believe the up-coming event to be the first of its kind in the world.
Speed dating, for the uninitiated, originated in the United States in late 1990s as a way for busy singles to meet a new partner.
A large group of single people meet in a bar or club, pair off and chat for just a few minutes, before a bell rings and they move on to the next person for another quick-fire "date". advertisement
Once they have all met each other, the participants advise the organisers which date they would like to see again. Providing the other party feels the same, you have a match.
Eco-dating seeks to take the speed dating idea, and do a little for the environment at the same time - by planting a hedgerow to restore the environment.
On arrival at the event, participants will be informed how to plant a section of hedge and will then be split into pairs.
From then on, the pairs have ten minutes to chat while they plant, before moving on to plant another section and another date.
The event is part of a project aimed at restoring local hedgerows and is funded by national small grants programme Breathing Spaces.
The event will take place on Bootham Stray, between 11am and 2pm, on February 9, the Saturday before St Valentine's Day. It is free to take part, and refreshments of hot drinks and cookies will be provided.
Spaces are limited however, so if you are interested, phone BTCV York on 01904 644300 or via email at york@btcv.org.uk.
8:53pm Sunday 13th January 2008
Schools embrace Globe project
Monday, 11 February 2008
TEN schools between Helmsley and Malton have signed up for involvement in the Globe Programme, an ongoing international programme that encourages schools throughout the world to measure aspects of their local environment and to report the results over the internet.
The national conservation charity BTCV is running The Global to Local Connection Project, a 10-month programme linked to the international Globe Programme with funding from the Howardian Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty Sustainable Development Fund.
Schools within the AONB and areas bordering it have been invited to engage with the scheme, which covers topics of water, soil, weather and land cover and links in with the National Curriculum in numeracy, ICT and science. advertisement
Participating schools receive a package consisting of a day's introduction to the Globe Project for a teacher, a pack of teaching materials and three two-hour sessions delivered by BTCV staff. The project is running for a further three months, until the end of March 2008, and has capacity for at least six more schools to take part.
Charity head visits cleaner and greener estate in Hackney
Thursday, 8 November 2007
The head of the government’s charity and volunteering department is to visit the Lordship South Estate in Hackney to see the green transformation that volunteers have achieved.
Campbell Rob, Director General of the Office of the Third Sector, will join volunteers from environment charity BTCV and the estate’s Tenant Management Organisation as they plant and care for shrubs in the community garden and across the estate.
BTCV works with more than 200,000 volunteers and 2,000 local community groups across the UK, providing opportunities, training and support to get people involved in looking after their local environment. Over the last few years, BTCV has supported the Lordship South tenants in completely re-landscaping and regenerating the estate.
Local resident Sarah Vaughn-Roberts said: “The tenants’ group has had ongoing support from BTCV over the years, from mentoring grants applications to continuing practical work, and is proud of what has been achieved. It has enabled us to bring residents together and make the site cleaner and greener.”
Campbell Rob said: “I am delighted to be visiting this BTCV project. The Office of the Third Sector are very proud to have BTCV as one of their key partners. Their work provides enormous benefit, not only to the local communities whose environment is being transformed, but also to the volunteers taking part. There is an increasing body of evidence showing that engagement with nature through environmental volunteering can help tackle obesity, heart disease and mental ill health. The commitment of £515 million to organisations like BTCV in the Third Sector Review, demonstrates our continued support for their excellent work.”
Campbell Rob will then go on to visit BTCV’s Railway Fields Education Centre in Haringey where around 30 pupils from the local Bruce Grove Primary School will be on site to take part in a session on 'growing plants'.
BTCV London Manager Richard Rigby said: “The physical improvements to a site are important, but it is also great to get people involved in looking after their local area, raising awareness of the environment, encouraging new skills and helping to build a sense of common ownership.”
The Lordship South Estate project has been part funded by the Groundwork East London grants scheme Our Space, Our Say. Supported by UBS, Global Financial Services Firm, the scheme aims to develop capacity and skills of people so that they can improve their local environment in Hackney. To find out more, contact Nimish Shah on 020 8985 1755 E: Nimish.Shah@groundworkeastlondon.org
BTCV is always looking for more volunteers – it’s free, there’s no previous experience necessary and it’s a great way to make friends and have fun.
To find out more about looking after your local environment, contact BTCV London: T: 020 7278 4294 E: London@btcv.org.uk www.btcv.org/london
My Space? Our Space!
Tuesday, 6 November 2007
Environmental volunteering charity BTCV is to launch a new community programme that will put 16-25 year olds in charge.
My Space? Our Space! will create 15 community environment projects across England, run by young people for young people. Set up by BTCV, it is funded by The Veolia Environmental Trust through the Landfill Communities Fund, youth volunteering charity v and the John Laing Charitable Trust. Over one thousand 16-24 year olds will be involved in the two year programme, showing young people’s ability to take a positive and leading role in society.
Miles Sibley, Development Director for BTCV, says: "We are delighted to be working on a programme that enables young people to make a positive contribution in their own neighbourhoods. Local places are what matter most to young people, and the funding will generate energy, enthusiasm and visible improvements to local green spaces.”
My Space? Our Space! projects will be developed based on the interests and involvement of local young people and will include: Students in Rochdale reclaiming an area to grow food Young people from Bexhill improving an area of land around a local environment centre Young disabled volunteers from Poole making a DVD to inspire others to get involved.
Margaret Cobbold, Executive Director of The Veolia Environmental Trust, says: “The Trust is supporting 'My Space? Our Space!' because it will give young volunteers the chance to improve their local environment and learn new skills. I’m sure those taking part will also have a really good time and I look forward to seeing the projects develop and thrive over the next two years.’
Terry Ryall, v Chief Executive, says: “v is delighted to be able to provide financial support to BTCV through our Match Fund programme for this project which will inspire young people to volunteer.”
Michael Hamilton, Secretary of the John Laing Charitable Trust, said: “John Laing is pleased to be able to complete the funding package that enables this exciting project to proceed.”
The My Space? Our Space! programme will be officially launched by Baroness Andrews, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Department of Communities and Local Government, at an event in Wakefield on 21 November.
CONSERVATION CHARITY BTCV TEAMS UP WITH RBS EMPLOYEES
Monday, 5 November 2007
The UK’s leading environmental volunteering charity, BTCV has announced a new partnership with The Royal Bank of Scotland Group (RBS). Finance managers from RBS in Edinburgh will mark the launch of the partnership by taking part in a day of practical conservation activity at Jupiter Urban Wildlife Centre, Grangemouth on Wednesday, 7 November.
The new partnership will provide RBS employees across the UK with opportunities to get involved and work alongside BTCV staff on local conservation projects which could include anything from tree planting to creating community gardens. Team challenge days will allow staff to learn new skills while developing relationships with colleagues and completing essential conservation tasks. They will also be encouraged to share their professional skills with local BTCV management and community group leaders by offering them mentor support or advising on business plans.
While many RBS staff already participate and volunteer in local community initiatives, the BTCV partnership marks the first employee involvement programme which encourages employees to make a positive impact on their local environment.
The RBS team will be involved with the construction of propagation benches, as well as weeding and planting in Jupiter’s wildflower nursery. Jupiter Urban Wildlife Centre, joint managed by BTCV and the Scottish Wildlife Trust, has been created in an industrial estate and has been developed to show how urban green spaces can be created from wasteland, and how green amenity areas, including gardens, can be managed to meet both human and wildlife needs. The site consists of formal garden areas that demonstrate techniques which people can use in their own gardens to benefit wildlife, habitat creation areas where new wildlife habitats have been created from scratch and now abound with wildlife, and areas where nature has been allowed to develop under its own power.
Tom Flood, Chief Executive at BTCV, said: “We are delighted that RBS has chosen BTCV as its environmental charity partner. Corporate partnerships and the associated financial support they bring are particularly important for BTCV, enabling us to engage many more people in practical conservation activities and make an even greater positive impact on both rural and urban communities.
He added,”This partnership is about much more than employees working together and improving their local environment for one day. It is an opportunity for them to change their behaviours at work and at home and make a lasting difference to the planet.”
Stephen Moir, Head of Community Investment at RBS, added, "We recognise that the environment is a key concern for many of our employees and RBS' partnership with BTCV will give our people the opportunity to improve their local green spaces, working with the communities that benefit from and use them.
"Employees at RBS are given more time off than any other company to participate in community initiatives. The combination of the expertise of our charitable partners and the considerable talents and enthusiasm of our employees makes our community involvement extremely effective and rewarding for all involved."
Renfrewshire Green Gym opens!
Monday, 5 November 2007
Community conservation work not only creates healthy environments, it also improves the health and well being of those involved.
The official launch of the Renfrewshire Green Gym took place on the 29th of October at the New Tannahill Centre in Ferguslie Park, Paisley. Paisley’s first ever Green Gym session saw Stewart Maxwell MSP, Minister for Communities and Sport, take part alongside new Green Gym volunteers as they started the process of upgrading the Trim Trail at Ferguslie Park Sport Centre, adjacent to the Tannahill Centre.
On launching the project, Communities and Sport Minister Stewart Maxwell said: “I am delighted to launch Renfrewshire Green Gym. This is a great initiative, which offers an alternative way of keeping healthy and active, while boosting the local environment and making a positive contribution to the community.”
Funded by Braehead, Xscape, Snozone and Fairshare, the Green Gym programme is managed by BTCV, the UK’s leading environmental volunteering charity, in partnership with a number of local organisations including Renfrewshire Council, Sustainable Communities, Renfrewshire Environment Trust and Renfrewshire Community Health Initiative.
The new Renfrewshire Green Gym will offer people of all ages and backgrounds the opportunity to improve their fitness by involvement in practical conservation activities such as tree and hedge planting, creating and maintaining community gardens or improving footpaths. BTCV Scotland’s Director, Russell Hampton says, “This new project will give people the opportunity to play an active role in their local area, raise awareness of the value of urban green spaces and help improve individuals’ health and fitness through environmental volunteering. It is also an excellent example of how the private and voluntary sectors can work in partnership to the benefit of communities.”
Peter Badcock, Director of Capital Shopping Centres said, “Braehead, Xscape and Snozone are very much a part of the Renfrewshire community and we are always keen to play an active role. We believe that partnerships, such as the one that we have entered into with BTCV, are the key to cleaner, greener, healthier and safer communities, and we are delighted to be involved in bringing a Green Gym to Renfrewshire”
An initial programme of practical conservation work, for November and December 2007, will see Green Gym volunteers out and about improving wonderful sites such as Jenny’s Well Nature Reserve, Paisley Moss Nature Reserve, Gleniffer Braes, Durrockstock Park and Linwood Community Woodland. And over the next three years of the project local residents and groups will continue to have the opportunity to develop skills in conservation, work to improve local wide variety of local greenspace and, at the same time, improve their health and fitness. So, the Renfrewshire Green Gym really will be good for you and your local environment.
If you are interested in taking part, or would like to find out more, then please get in touch with Ann Nix, Green Gym Co-ordinator on 01505 337238 (email: gg-renfrewshire@btcv.org.uk).
Volunteer for a better environment at Skelton Grange
Thursday, 1 November 2007
Hard-working volunteers have been helping Skelton Grange Environment Centre to provide an inspiring natural environment for visiting children to explore. The environmental education centre in South Leeds has been holding a range of volunteering events, and there’s still time to get involved! Volunteers have been constructing new footpaths, creating a storytelling area, and cutting the hedgerows back into shape.
The volunteering events have been supported by GreenPrints, a partnership of five of the country’s leading not-for-profit organisations that provides funding and support for over 700 projects, dedicated to helping young people improve green spaces in our communities. SITA Trust, v the youth volunteering charity, BTCV, The Wildlife Trusts and the BBC’s Breathing Places campaign, have joined forces to run one of the most integrated, supportive and intuitive funding programmes in the country.
The next event will be on 16th November, when volunteers can help to construct a footpath and create new habitats for hedgehogs and minibeasts! This will be followed by a two-day tree planting extravaganza on 31st November and 1st December, when a new woodland will be created. The events are aimed at 16-25 year olds, but all over 16s are welcome, and lunch will be included. Volunteers must book a place by emailing skelton@btcv.org.uk or by ringing 0113 2430815.
“These events are a great opportunity for people to try out volunteering, and to help keep Skelton Grange’s wildlife area looking great for visiting children,” said Project Officer Toby Roberts. “You don’t need to have any experience, just come and give it a try!”
Skelton Grange Environment Centre is an innovative environmental education project in South Leeds, which is a partnership between BTCV and National Grid with support from Leeds City Council. It offers a range of fun, hands-on environmental education activities for schoolchildren which aim to encourage an interest in the natural world. More information can be found on the centre’s website at www.skeltongrange.org.uk.
New Renfrewshire Green Gym is good for you!
Thursday, 25 October 2007
Community conservation work not only creates healthy environments, it also improves the health and well being of those involved.
The official launch of the Renfrewshire Green Gym will take place, from 1.30 – 4pm, on the 29th of October at the New Tannahill Centre in Ferguslie Park, Paisley. Paisley’s first ever Green Gym session will see Stewart Maxwell MSP, Minister for Communities and Sport, take part alongside new Green Gym volunteers as they start the process of upgrading the Trim Trail at Ferguslie Park Sport Centre, adjacent to the Tannahill Centre.
On launching the project, Communities and Sport Minister Stewart Maxwell said: “I am delighted to launch Renfrewshire Green Gym. This is a great initiative, which offers an alternative way of keeping healthy and active, while boosting the local environment and making a positive contribution to the community.” Funded by Braehead, Xscape, Snozone and Fairshare, the Green Gym programme is managed by BTCV, the UK’s leading environmental volunteering charity, in partnership with a number of local organisations including Renfrewshire Council, Sustainable Communities, Renfrewshire Environment Trust and Renfrewshire Community Health Initiative.
The new Renfrewshire Green Gym will offer people of all ages and backgrounds the opportunity to improve their fitness by involvement in practical conservation activities such as tree and hedge planting, creating and maintaining community gardens or improving footpaths. BTCV Scotland’s Director, Russell Hampton says, “This new project will give people the opportunity to play an active role in their local area, raise awareness of the value of urban green spaces and help improve individuals’ health and fitness through environmental volunteering. It is also an excellent example of how the private and voluntary sectors can work in partnership to the benefit of communities.”
Peter Badcock, Director of Capital Shopping Centres said, “Braehead, Xscape and Snozone are very much a part of the Renfrewshire community and we are always keen to play an active role. We believe that partnerships, such as the one that we have entered into with BTCV, are the key to cleaner, greener, healthier and safer communities, and we are delighted to be involved in bringing a Green Gym to Renfrewshire”
An initial programme of practical conservation work, for November and December 2007, will see Green Gym volunteers out and about improving wonderful sites such as Jenny’s Well Nature Reserve, Paisley Moss Nature Reserve, Gleniffer Braes, Durrockstock Park and Linwood Community Woodland. And over the next three years of the project local residents and groups will continue to have the opportunity to develop skills in conservation, work to improve local wide variety of local greenspace and, at the same time, improve their health and fitness. So, the Renfrewshire Green Gym really will be good for you and your local environment.
If you are interested in taking part, or would like to find out more, then please get in touch with Ann Nix, Green Gym Co-ordinator on 01505 337238 (email: gg-renfrewshire@btcv.org.uk).
Get in touch with your wild side...
Tuesday, 2 October 2007
..during Wild Week (22-28 October), in association with BBC’s Breathing Places
Looking forward to watching Autumnwatch but want to experience the real thing? Why not slip off the sofa, get involved and ‘Do One Thing’ for the environment, as part of Wild Week (22-28 October).
To meet the ever-growing interest in wildlife, and to coincide with the BBC’s new landmark series The Nature of Britain, two of the UK’s largest conservation organisations – The Wildlife Trusts and BTCV – have joined forces to organise hundreds of events between 22-28 October.
In association with BBC Breathing Places, The Wildlife Trusts and BTCV are encouraging everyone to get outdoors and get in touch with their ‘wild’ side. Whether it’s foraging for fungi or helping to lay a hedge, there are events aimed at all ages, from family fun days to wildlife identification courses.
Wild Week is ideally timed, as autumn is a great time of year to get outside and enjoy nature. Woodlands are a riot of red and gold, berries are ripening and animals are stocking their larders for winter. Wetlands and rivers are alive with thousands of migrant birds. Before the onset of winter, autumn is the ideal time to try practical conservation work. From creating a pond to laying a path, The Wild Week is the time to roll up your sleeves and get stuck in!
Kevin Jones, BTCV’s Operations Director, said: “This really is a great opportunity to get out and “do one thing” for the environment. All the projects on offer have qualified leaders with all the skills needed to give you a great day out. You don’t need to be super fit to join in, all you need is enthusiasm and a bit of time.”
Julie Fulton, The Wildlife Trusts’ head of people and wildlife, said: “People are realising there’s a wealth of wildlife on their doorstep and, with the help of The Wild Week events, they can find out more about how to help improve their own environment and protect the UK’s wildlife. People are fascinated by wildlife, as demonstrated by the incredible popularity of programmes like Autumnwatch. The Wild Week provides an ideal opportunity for everyone who feels inspired to get involved with nature locally.”
Organised events include:
• Tuesday 23 October – Create an educational garden at Clifton Country Park in Manchester • Friday 26 October – Nut Hunt. Coed Tyddyn Halen, North Wales. • Friday 26 October – Find wildlife using tracking and signs, Fyne Court, Somerset • Saturday 27 October – Gather seeds to establish an informal tree nursery at Mote Park, Kent
As well as The Wildlife Trusts and BTCV, lots of nature and wildlife groups will be hosting organised events. To find a Wild Week event near you log on to the new Breathing Places website: www.breathingplaces.org. A list of Wild Week events is also available at The Wildlife Trusts (www.wildlifetrusts.org) and BTCV (www.btcv.org) websites.
Zurich team help turn over a new leaf
Thursday, 20 September 2007
A team of staff from Zurich are joining volunteers from LEAF, Sheffield’s award-winning community allotment project, to help make improvements to their site.
The group will be tackling projects including replacing a raised bed for wheelchair accessible planting, building steps overlooking an orchard and putting in a base for a new greenhouse.
The day is being organised by environmental volunteering charity BTCV. Earlier this year, LEAF was named as the charity’s Community Group of the Year in its Green Hero awards, supported by Zurich.
Zurich is also using the day to help launch a new risk management guide, 'Simple ways to work safely', which offers practical advice and guidance for the 2,000-plus community groups that are members of BTCV’s Community Network.
BTCV Project Officer Jon Lewney said: “LEAF is a great example of what can be achieved when a local community act together in an imaginative and inclusive way. I am sure the Zurich team will be put hard to work and we look forward to seeing the results!” Zurich Head of Charities and Voluntary Organisations, Paul Emery added: - ""Having worked with BTCV for many years supporting their volunteer schemes, we're delighted to have this opportunity to work on a project locally with LEAF alongside the community it benefits."
GreenPrints Goes Online
Thursday, 13 September 2007
Youth volunteering programme GreenPrints now has its own dedicated website (www.greenprints.org.uk) loaded with information for young people on how they can improve green spaces within their communities.
The new website will provide a one-stop -shop for 16-25 year olds to find out more about conservation volunteering opportunities around England.
SITA Trust, v the youth volunteering charity, BTCV, The Wildlife Trusts and the BBC’s Breathing Places campaign, have joined forces to run one of the most integrated, supportive and intuitive funding programmes in the country.
The website has been launched following the first round of project applications being given the go ahead for funding and support through the GreenPrints programme.
“In just the first round of applications we have been able to support 17 GreenPrints projects around the country, giving around 390 young volunteers the chance to improve green spaces. This is really exciting and now that the website is up and running we are looking forward to seeing even more applications in the next round,” says Julie Fulton head of people and wildlife at The Wildlife Trusts.
The £2 million GreenPrints programme is funded by SITA Trust and v, through the Match Fund programme. It is a partnership of five of the country’s leading not-for-profit organisations that provides funding and support for over 700 projects, dedicated to helping young people improve green spaces in our communities.
“We have already received some very positive feedback about the vibrant style and content of the new GreenPrints website and we are confident that the site will really engage and inspire young people, encouraging them to sign up to the fantastic volunteering opportunities on offer,” says John Leaver, Chairman of SITA Trust
The next deadline for applications to the programme is 14th September 2007. For more information visit www.greenprints.org.uk