Hastings Conservation Volunteers
| Published: 4th October 2007 09:08 |
The Hastings Conservation Volunteers are a small group of people who help to maintain nature reserves and public open spaces in the Hastings and Rother area of East Sussex, England.
We are a BTCV affiliated local group. We do not have any sites of our own, but assist other organisations in the maintenance of their reserves. Our "clients" include the Sussex Wildlife Trust, RSCPA, RSPB, Pett Level Preservation Trust and the Hastings Country Park rangers.
Our work varies from site to site, and also depends on the time of year. Most of our work is aimed at maintaining habitats and improving public access. Typical tasks include:
Cutting down bracken, bramble, rhododendron, willow, or any other plant that is taking over a valuable habitat.
Coppicing trees to encourage regeneration (mostly in the winter).
Keeping paths clear of fallen trees or encroaching vegetation.
Building steps or small bridges to make access easier.
We work most Sundays throughout the year. Meet at 9:30am at Hastings railway station, or around 10:00am at the site. We are usually able to offer a lift from the station, but please check in advance. Work usually ends around 3:30pm, depending on the weather. Tea and Coffee are provided, but volunteers should bring their own lunch. We always welcome new volunteers, and we don't expect people to turn up every week if it's not convenient for them.
For insurance and safety reasons, volunteers should be between 16 and 85, though we may be able to accommodate children under 16 if accompanied by a responsible adult. We recommend that volunteers are up-to-date with Tetanus vaccinations.
For information, please contact me, Simon Barker, by phone on Hastings (01424) 444591, or by e-mail: simonbarker@btinternet.com.
January 2008
6th Guestling Wood, Watermill Lane, Guestling (Woodland Trust). More hedge laying.
13th Hastings Country Park (working with the volunteer Rangers). Transport from the station may not be available.
20th Flatropers Wood, Bixley Lane, Beckley (Sussex Wildlife Trust). Coppicing birch trees.
27th Mallydams Wood, Peter James Lane, Fairlight (RSPCA). Re-lining a pond.
February 2008
3rd Hastings Country Park (working with the volunteer Rangers).
10th Marline Valley, Queensway, St Leonards (Sussex Wildlife Trust). Scrub coppicing.
17th Cliff End, Pett Level (Pett Level Preservation Trust). Blackthorn cutting.
24th Mallydams Wood open day, Peter James Lane, Fairlight (RSPCA). Coppicing on the Mallydams open day.
March 2008
2nd Hastings Country Park (working with the volunteer Rangers). Transport from the station may not be available.
9th Marline Valley, Queensway, St Leonards (Sussex Wildlife Trust). Sallow coppicing.
16th Guestling Wood, Watermill Lane, Guestling (Woodland Trust). Planting to fill the gaps in the hedge
23rd Flatropers Wood, Bixley Lane, Beckley (Sussex Wildlife Trust). Coppicing birch trees.
30th Brickwall Deer Park, Northiam. Rhododendron control.
