Conservation Volunteers

The Wildside Volunteers undertake a range of practical environmental projects in and around Wolverhampton.
These projects are many and varied and may be broken down into four broad groups

* Habitat Creation
This includes pond and bog creation, otter holt construction, planting at local sites including nature reserves and schools.
* Habitat Management
We undertake various wetland management projects (including pond, bog, stream and canal), woodland and copse work such as coppicing, tree care and control of invasive plants, hedgelaying, heathland and wildflower meadow and nature reserve management.

* Construction
Projects such as wildfowl nesting rafts, bird boxes and tables, pole lathes and shaving horses, wattle hurdles, path laying, step and ramp building, fencing, benches, a willow arbour, and a community compost station have all been undertaken by the volunteers.

* Others
We also plan occasional day trips, have a go at woodland crafts (wood turning, wind chimes, besoms, musical instruments etc.) and all sorts of other worthwhile, fun and interesting things!
This is just a brief overview of some of the things that we get up to - if you are interested in joining in and having a go, then please come along and give it a try or get in touch for more details.

What do we need to bring ?
You will need to bring clothing suitable for outdoor activities with waterproofs if rain looks likely. We do have a small selection of waterproofs and boots if necessary, packed lunch will also be required, and remember sun cream for those odd sunny days!

Times and costs
The mid-week group meets on Mondays,Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9.30am,
normally finishing by around 4pm.
The weekend group meets on the last Sunday of every month (bank holidays permitting!) at 10am, finishing around 3.30pm.
volunteering with the group is free, and we can help with bus fares!

Curriculum links
Wildside Volunteers undertake various projects at schools in the Wolverhampton area, often through the Natural Curriculum Project.
We sometimes have students on work/practical experiences placements with the group, and some volunteers have used their experiences towards NVQ qualifications.
We also have links with the Wolverhampton Adult Education Service, and hopefully every volunteer learns new skills along the way.