CLAN Bulletin November 2010

sp GREE BT CV ec ial N G ED YM ITIO ® N

BTCV Scotland

www.btcv.org/scotland

CLAN Bulletin community Local Action Network newsletter

November 2010

Let’s get physical!

Anyone of a certain age will remember Olivia Newton-John’s ‘classic’ 1980’s hit Physical and its video of Livvy cavorting about in a gym with the obligatory leotard and headband. For many people this is still what working out involves but The times they are a changin’…

Y

jeremy bartles

ou don’t have to sign-up to a health club or sports centre to keep fit. The natural alternative is to join a BTCV Green Gym or something similar for a ‘workout’ of conservation or horticultural activity. So, if you’re looking to improve your health and wellbeing and do something worthwhile for the environment the answer can be found in the great outdoors as a conservation volunteer. And, it doesn’t cost a penny!

For over 50 years BTCV has provided opportunities for people to conserve wildlife habitats and other aspects of our natural environment. In the process they’ve learned new skills and had the satisfaction of ‘doing their bit’. Now it’s increasingly recognised that peoples’ health gets a big boost from the fresh air and exercise they experience as conservation volunteers. And, there are the social benefits of meeting new friends and being part of a regular group of like-minded people – it’s good to talk!

This issue of the CLAN Bulletin takes a look at some of the ‘healthy’ projects organised

by BTCV Scotland and CLAN member organisations.

In the news: BTCV’s Green Heroes for 2010 have recently been announced and two CLAN member groups, the GreenFerry Trust (right) and Girvan Community Garden, are amongst the winners. Find out who has won the UK-wide ‘Carbon Army Challenge’ and who is ‘Scottish Community Group of the Year’ – see page 10.

hannah beaton photography

Heroes

Also in this issue – enthusiastic trainees are wanted for our Natural Communities and Natural Talent programmes – see page 12.

What’s the story?

The first Green Gym (photo opposite) was established in 1997 by BTCV with Oxfordshire GP Dr William Bird. Dr Bird realised that some of his patients would greatly benefit from some regular fresh air and exercise, so he teamed up with BTCV to create the first Green Gym and the idea took off! Now there are over 80 Green Gyms throughout the UK with 35 in Scotland, and the number is growing. rob bowker

A

Where we’re at

By David Graham, Development Manager (Healthy Communities) karen dobbins

typical Green Gym session lasts about three hours during which everyone can progress at their own pace. Many sessions also include warm-up and cool down exercises. Green Gyms open up conservation volunteering to a new audience – people who have never taken part in a similar activity, or possibly any other voluntary activity.

Green Gym – the benefits Independent research has shown: l The physical activity involved in regular Green Gym sessions can improve cardiovascular fitness, helping to reduce the risk of heart disease and strokes. l The range of activities on offer in a Green Gym allows participants to be active at a level that suits their individual capabilities. l Participation in a Green Gym can improve muscular strength leading to improved balance, fewer falls and increased independence – benefits that are particularly important for older people.

This last year has seen a remarkable increase in the number of BTCV Scotland Green Gym projects. We now have a total of 35 active Green Gyms across the country (up from 14 in October 2009) from Dingwall to Dumfries & Galloway, Girvan to Glasgow, and Wishaw to Wester Hailes.

l Working out in the fresh air, in contact with nature, relieves stress and anxiety.

Also, in the last year, a new menu of delivery options has been developed which can easily be tailored to meet the needs of your community or organisation. Whether you wish to adopt a licenced approach or ask BTCV Scotland to lead, the Discover Green Gym (Short programme), Community Green Gym, Green Gym Licence, School Green Gym and Youth Green Gym have all been developed and delivered in the last year to compliment the well established BTCV Green Gym model, now in existence for over 13 years.

BTCV Scotland’s healthy initiatives are supported nationally by the Scottish Government, Scottish Natural Heritage, The Robertson Trust, and the BIG Lottery Fund.

Each individual project also has its own local partner organisations which help fund the project or refer volunteers.

Key to this process is the ongoing training and mentoring of volunteers and partner groups and organisations in order to deliver the BTCV Green Gym to a high standard. This support has resulted in four ‘Essentials of Green Gym’ training courses accrediting 57 new Green Gym leaders in 2010, bringing the total to 62.

l Green Gyms convey a range of social and mental health benefits. Working with others encourages participation in the local community. Learning a new skill and successfully completing a task builds confidence and self-esteem.

2

BTCV Scotland’s Green Gym and other Green exercise programmes can only be developed in partnership and, as you can see from the following pages, no two programmes are the same. What does remain constant is the amazingly powerful stories from our volunteers who are taking their own personal steps in improving their physical health and mental wellbeing. These steps, no matter how small, continue to be inspirational.

On behalf of BTCV Scotland, I would like to thank all our Green Gym and Health Walk volunteers as well as BTCV Scotland staff and Volunteer Officers, referral partners, funders and greenspace providers. It’s been a real team effort leading to over 80 BTCV Scotland health partnerships (either active or in development), over 200 Green Gym and Health Walk partner organisations, and, since 2005, over 5,200 Green Gym and Health Walk volunteers who have worked on nearly 300 greenspace sites.

There are so many ways in which BTCV Scotland can help you and your community to invest in improved health and wellbeing.

Please do get in touch with your local BTCV office if you would like to explore ways in which the following can be achieved in your community: l Improved physical and mental health through informal recreation, volunteering and learning in the outdoors. l Help members of your community to recovery from physical and mental problems and guard against future illness. l Increase social contact associated with enjoyment of the natural heritage and involvement in its care. l Encourage healthier lifestyles by stimulating positive interest in the natural world and promoting outdoor activity at a young age.

To sum up, it’s never been easier to set up your own ‘natural health service’ in your local community.

CLAN Bulletin

I feel fine Most Green Gyms are run directly

by BTCV in partnership with other organisations, an example being Auchmuty Green Gym in Glenrothes which is funded by Fife Council. One of the regular volunteers is Fiona Hutcheson from Rosyth, who’s in no doubt about the benefits the Green Gym has for the participants, including herself.

What’s the basic set-up?

We run a weekly three hour session at Auchmuty allotments for the group to come along and grow plants and food – which gets the volunteers outside and healthy. When we took on the allotment there was nothing here but now it’s full of vegetables which the volunteers get to take away, saving a few bucks – very handy!

What’s your role been?

I’ve been a Volunteer Officer for almost a year and prior to that was an ‘ordinary’ volunteer for six months.

And what does a Volunteer Officer do?

Helps Kath! (The Green Gym Co-ordinator).

I generally help out in the office and out on projects such as the allotment where I keep an eye on the group and make sure all the guys are OK. I do whatever is needed.

Fiona Hutcheson at the Auchmuty allotment.

What do the volunteers get out of it?

It gets them outside in the fresh air and to be around a lot of other people is really beneficial for them. A lot of them have mental health issues and various other problems – some of them are isolated so it’s good to get them chatting even if it’s just for a couple of hours. I’ve seen a big change in a lot of them and seen them thrive which has been really good to see. I get a big buzz from it.

What about yourself, have you benefitted?

Definitely! I’ve gone from having no confidence to my confidence going through the roof. I’ve just been learning so much – loads & loads of things!

How would you sum up your experience with BTCV? It’s been the making of me – definitely! Everyone who’s known me for a long time has seen a complete difference. I’ve gone from being really low to being really happy. I love to see other people getting well too. I seem to have found my niche in life and I’m enjoying every minute of it. It’s great to get up in the morning and have something you want to go into. It’s always different and you’re meeting different people – it’s been life changing for me. So, keeping fingers and toes crossed, I’ll hopefully get a job out of it.

I just have to keep hounding people!

Have you learned any particular skills?

I’ve learned a helluva lot of skills I didn’t have before – project leadership, first aid, organic gardening, tree identification, and more. It’s leading to lots of different doors opening for me. For example, I’m doing an HNC in Land Management from SAC Aberdeen. I love the ethics of BTCV and what we do for the community and for people who are isolated, or have problems. I’ve seen the benefits of it all and think it’s really good. I absolutely love it!

November 2010

Other directly delivered BTCV Green Gyms run with various partner organisations: Jupiter Centre (Grangemouth) and Falkirk Will Ferguson-Smith at 01786 476178 e-mail w.ferguson-smith@btcv.org.uk Renfrewshire and West Glasgow Julie Wilson at 0141 842 1330 e-mail julie.wilson@btcv.org.uk Irvine and Stevenston Sandra Sussman-Bryden at 01292 525178 e-mail s.sussman-bryden@btcv.org.uk Dingwall and Inverness Ullie Wenzel at 01463 811560 e-mail u.wenzel@btcv.org.uk

For her dedication as a Volunteer Officer in Fife, Fiona was named as BTCV Scotland’s Natural Health Green Hero – see page 10.

Kilbirnie and Girvan Katie Stewart at 01292 525178 e-mail k.stewart@btcv.org.uk

The Fife Green Gym contact is Kath Webster on 01592 861555, e-mail k.webster@btcv.org.uk

West Lothian Anna Dennis at 0131 442 4930 e-mail a.dennis@btcv.org.uk

Directly delivered BTCV Green Gyms 3

Parklife Most communities have a park or nearby open space where kids can play and adults can stretch their legs and walk the dog. One such place is Eglinton Country Park on the outskirts of Kilwinning and Irvine, in North Ayrshire. Like many green spaces the park is also a haven for wildlife. It’s no surprise then that Eglinton is the main location for the Irvine Green Gym which meets each Tuesday.

T

he Green Gym was set up by BTCV and Healthy North Ayrshire* with support from North Ayrshire Council whose Countryside Rangers at Eglinton have been a great help, particularly identifying suitable tasks which the group has undertaken around the Park such as clearing paths, lopping trees and building bug hotels.

In August six volunteers from the group took the first steps to running the group themselves with BTCV’s Green Gym Co-ordinator Sandy Sussman-Bryden gradually taking a back seat.

To this end several members of the group have undertaken Green Gym training. So, in the coming months the group will take on more responsibility and eventually become independent although Sandy will be on hand to help when required.

*Grace Moore MBE, Assistant Director of Public Health – NHS Ayrshire & Arran, explains: “We want to improve the health and wellbeing of the people of Ayrshire and Arran and projects like the Green Gym show people that there are alternatives to taking part in sports or going to a gym to keep fit. Low impact activities such as gardening can also improve over-all fitness and build a person’s confidence.”

They said it. What the regulars think:

“It’s good to see the difference you’ve made to any job you’ve tackled.” – James

“It’s changed my life completely.”

– Katrina

“It’s good company, you have a laugh, and you work as a team.” – Bert

“It’s better than going to aerobics.”

– Moira

“It’s part of our routine now.” – James

“Fun’s one of the main things. You always learn more when you’re having fun.”

– Jackie “I just love being outdoors meeting people.” – Moira

“We love it. We wouldn’t miss it for the world.” – Liz “We meet people outwith our normal circle of friends – it’s a social networking thing.” – Jackie “Give it a go!” – James

“It gets me out of the house into the fresh air.” – Jamie

A BTCV Green Gym moving to independence 4

Ready for action – volunteers from the Irvine Green Gym at Eglinton Country Park.

For further information contact: Sandy Sussman-Bryden at 01292 525178, or e-mail s.sussman-bryden@btcv.org.uk

CLAN Bulletin

all pictures: wester hailes health agency

On the waterfront A large area of land beside the Union Canal is the regular setting for South West Edinburgh’s Green Gym. Here, residents from the Calder’s district have been developing a community garden and orchard, with the Green Gym volunteers playing their part.

Volunteers Donald and Jo with Rossi Durie (centre), one of the Project Co-ordinators.

Constructing the insect hotel.

T

he Green Gym is run by the Wester Hailes Health Agency with support from Re-Union. The agency has taken out a community licence from BTCV Scotland aided

by FEVA. This enables workers from the agency to run weekly Green Gym sessions as part of their efforts to increase ‘healthy’ volunteering opportunities for local people. The fresh air and exercise are obvious benefits for the participants’ wellbeing as are the social aspects of meeting new people and developing skills.

And, the Green Gym allows its volunteers to make real, tangible improvements to their local environment – the creation of wildlife habitats (including an insect hotel), planting fruit trees, hedgerows and wildflower meadows, constructing pathways, plus litter removal and general maintenance work. There’s always something needing done.

The transformation of the site has inspired people from the Calder’s area to take some ownership of the Community Garden, as David Jeffrey, Project Co-ordinator, explains: “On turning up at the site one week there was a note left in a flower pot from a local lady and her grandson. The note informed us that the lady and her grandson came along every Sunday to help do some work on our herb spiral. There were also a couple of new plants that they had put in and some stones that had art work on them. A local couple have also donated plants from their own garden.”

November 2010

The feedback from the Green Gym participants has been immensely positive. When asked what they have enjoyed about taking part in the Green Gym the volunteers answered:

“Being out by the canal, being hands-on and seeing the results of my work, gives me a great sense of achievement.”

“It’s great to transform land that will benefit the surrounding community and act as a landmark for Edinburgh as you arrive along the canal.”

“I’ve enjoyed taking part in the Green Gym as it has allowed me to learn new skills, gain experience and meet some new people from the local area.”

Another volunteer commented that: “The people taking the group and the pace that they were able to work at without pressure”, was the most enjoyable aspect.

David Jeffrey adds: ”The Green Gym has been fantastic. It has given people the chance to make a difference in their local community.

The change in the site has been tremendous since we first started and it’s great to see all

Preparing the land to plant a hedgerow as the border for the wildflower meadow. the volunteers getting such a buzz from taking part. They arrive each week in anticipation to see what the site is like and what activity we have lined up for them. It’s also even better that we seem to be charmed and that it’s never rained yet, although that has probably jinxed us!”

For further information contact: 0131 458 3080, or david@whhealthagency.co.uk, or rossi@whhealthagency.co.uk

A Community Green Gym 5

My way

Gordon Stronach in his natural habitat – the birchwoods at Aberfeldy, made famous by Rabbie Burns in his song ‘The Birks of Aberfeldy’.

GORDON STRONACH

“My vision for the future is something I already see emerging in our culture today, that being bridging the gap between the need for nature conservation and human health.

I’m no pioneer in this – I’m simply opening up the concept to a wider group of people.”

G

ordon Stronach is a man with a plan.

After working in the environmental sector for 25 years Gordon decided to strike out on his own and achieve what he really wanted to do – connect people with nature in a meaningful way. So, he resigned from his job as an outdoor activities instructor and set up his own enterprise Environmental Explorations. Based in Aberfeldy, Gordon provides opportunities for groups of people to get out into the beautiful Perthshire countryside where, through structured activity programmes, the participants can enhance the natural green space whilst at the same time enhancing their own wellbeing. To help put his ideas into action Gordon has taken out a BTCV Green Gym licence. Gordon writes: “Using the natural world including parks, woods, loch-sides, hills, mountains and public greenspace, I aim to contribute to a more holistic approach to develop cost-effective solutions to mental and physical health care.

6

I wholeheartedly believe that being outdoors in pleasant settings, in partnership with nature, is fundamental to our health. As people we ‘retune’ ourselves through exposure to natural settings which manifests itself throughout society, whether that is owning a pet, climbing a hill, or just going to the local park for a picnic.

For my part in the wider scheme of things, I am offering a variety of tailor-made programmes including the Green Gym. Working in partnership with the relevant health and social care authorities I can take groups of up to eight individuals out into the local environment. By adopting a ‘little but often’ approach I can provide an opportunity for those in need to experience the positive effect being out in nature has on their wellbeing.

Green Gym participants can be involved in a spectrum of conservation tasks such as pond creation, bird box building, clearing rhododendrons, and monitoring of tree regeneration schemes. There is also the idea of developing an allotment site where people can learn how to grow their own vegetables. Another possibility is to help previously homeless people integrate back into ‘mainstream’ society by providing activities

which provide some structure to their lives – increasing their skills, confidence and selfesteem, and ultimately their employability.”

To get his venture off the ground Gordon received funding from Firstport which supports budding social enterprises. Other organisations have provided help and goodwill including Perth College and Perth & Kinross Council. Gordon has also developed links with landowning organisations in the area which can provide appropriate activity bases. These include the Forestry Commission, National Trust for Scotland, and John Muir Trust. Although initially starting off by himself, Gordon hopes to take on other people and gradually expand his operations into other parts of Perthshire, including Perth itself.

Through Environmental Explorations Gordon Stronach says he is: “...fully focussed on creating solutions to the social and health challenges faced by many in society today. I believe that being out in nature is the best health prescription.”

For information: Tel 01887 829145 or 07798 912840, email: gordon@environ-explore.com, or visit www.environ-explore.com

An enterprising individual’s Green Gym CLAN Bulletin

Keeping fit and healthy isn’t just for adults. Many of our young folk can benefit from some regular exercise and some require additional support needs at school. Whatever their particular circumstances many youngsters can benefit from the extra physical and mental stimulation provided in a Green Gym – doing something practical in an outdoor setting.

As well as the personal benefits, the youngsters are also doing something positive for the local community.

T

here’s no one way of running a youth Green Gym. It may be part of the regular school day, after school hours, or during the school holidays. Relevant factors include the school curriculum, availability of support workers, transport etc. And, the funds to make it all happen.

JULIE WILSON

School’s out

One of the Mary Russell pupils, Jessica, wanted to take part as she was interested in helping the environment and being able to help people as well.

Here, Jessica is planting-up a raised bed with sensory plants at Ralston Day Centre in Paisley.

A current example is the Mary Russell School in Paisley. With backing from Awards for All, the school has a programme of Green Gym activities for 12-13 year old pupils running through to June 2011. Six five-week blocks have been organised, each involving seven second year pupils per session. Our local Green Gym Co-ordinator Julie Wilson has plenty of tasks lined up for them:

“The pupils have been working hard all over Renfrewshire helping look after local greenspaces and helping local community groups as well. So, the youngsters may find themselves planting shrubs, cutting back invasive plants, creating habitat piles, and looking after local nature reserves.”

And… In West Lothian local school pupils are helping look after Blaeberryhill Park, an urban greenspace of woodland and parkland. The Blaeberryhill School Green Gym is a developing partnership between BTCV Scotland, West Lothian Council, and the participating schools of Whitburn Academy, St Kentigern’s Academy and Burnhouse School. The Green Gym will

November 2010

Youngsters Kyle and Andrew collecting vegetables at Girvan Community Garden (see page 10) during a Green Gym session.

involve ‘More Choice More Chances’ pupils from Whitburn Academy, pupils with autism from St Kentigern’s, and pupils with special needs from Burnhouse School. After initial support from BTCV the Green Gym will become self-sustaining and run by teachers and youth workers who’ve received the

‘Essentials of Green Gym’ training.

Other school and youth Green Gyms have recently been running in Aberdeen, Girvan, Kilbirnie, Stonehaven, and Wishaw, with another starting in the New Year at Auchenharvie Academy in Stevenston.

BTCV Green Gyms for young folk 7

We’ve only just begun Many Green Gyms are now well established but for others it’s still early days. This is the case for a new type of Green Gym – licenced or hosted by local authority departments or other departments from large, staffed organisations. The first of these has just started in Inverclyde with another due soon in Glasgow.

Inverclyde The Inverclyde Green Gym encourages people to participate in instructor-led environmental volunteering, involving activities such as tree planting, path improvements, beach cleaning, and scrub clearance.

Funded by the Inverclyde Alliance, Inverclyde Council’s Green Charter and Lower Clyde Greenspace, this is a new licenced Green Gym for Inverclyde and directly links peoples’ health to their environment. Speaking for the Inverclyde Alliance, Councillor Stephen McCabe commented: “The Green Gym shows the potential of working in partnership. While taking part, people will not only improve their own health in a structured way, but they will contribute to their local environment, learn new skills, make new friends and most importantly, feel proud of themselves.”

Green Gym sessions are running every Thursday and Friday until the end of March. Places are limited so anyone wishing to participate should contact Lower Clyde Greenspace on 01475 712071 as soon as possible.

North Glasgow

The new Inverclyde Green Gym leaders. Seated: John McLean (Countryside Ranger) and Joyce McFarlane (Lower Clyde Greenspace). Standing: Rachel Shipley (Access Officer), Derek Barnes (Inverclyde Leisure), and Pete Hague (Countryside Ranger).

above

Robroyston Park is one of the sites in North Glasgow which can benefit from the Green Gym. Here, volunteer Johnny is cutting back young trees to stop them encroaching onto the moorland habitat.

below

Residents of North Glasgow will soon have the chance of participating in three new Green Gyms, funded by Glasgow Life.

At first sight North Glasgow has its fair share of tower blocks but on the ground there’s a surprising amount of greenery with many parks and open spaces including Dawsholm Park, the Botanic Gardens and the River Kelvin Walkway, as well as Springburn Park and Robroyston Park Local Nature Reserve. So, there’s plenty of scope for environmental improvement and conservation work in the area. And, there’s a long list of local organisations who could refer volunteers to take part, ranging from education and health groups to voluntary organisations and local employers.

All have members or clients who could gain a lot from the physical and mental benefits of Green Gym participation.

North Glasgow’s Green Gyms should be up and running in January 2011. For further information contact: David Graham at 01292 525250, or d.graham@btcv.org.uk *Latest news. There are plans in the pipeline for the National Trust for Scotland Ranger Service to run a Green Gym at Brodick, on Arran.

8

Licenced Green Gyms CLAN Bulletin

JULIE HOGGARTH

These boots are made for walkin’ Regular walking with a group of likeminded people provides a safe and sociable way to keep fit, particularly for retired people. Over the past ten years BTCV has run a number of Healthy Walks programmes encouraging people to get out and about to enjoy their local environment whilst keeping up their fitness levels.

The Tarbolton walkers.

For the first year the Tarbolton group met each Tuesday for an hour long walk around the village plus other scenic spots at Auchincruive estate, Enterkine Country Estate and the River Ayr Way. As well as the obvious health benefits the walkers could catch up with local news and the latest village gossip!

“We had just moved to the village a few months before. We have made new friends and look forward to our walks. We have companionship, fun and are improving our fitness.” – Elda

Residents in the Ayrshire village of Tarbolton had heard of BTCV organising walking groups in other local villages and were keen for something similar to be held in their own patch. Tarbolton lies in Rabbie Burns country and has some fine walking. So, local resident Elda Lapsley contacted Julie Hoggarth in BTCV’s Ayr office to see what could be done.

The result was a weekly walking group, led

by Julie.

Due to other commitments Julie couldn’t continue leading on a weekly basis so the group dropped to a monthly walk which disappointed many of the ‘regulars’. The answer is for the group to go independent!

So, all of the group has attended a Walk Leader training session which enables the members to organise walks for themselves and return to a weekly schedule.

“I had to retire early because of my hip and was walking with the aid of two walking sticks before my hip replacement operation. I have since built up my fitness through walking and have walked over five miles. The walking group has been great as you chat to your friends and it was no bother to improve my fitness.” – Tom

A Pearl in Coatbridge

her she is definitely a rare Pearl! I first met her in December 2008 when I took up my post as Healthy Walks Facilitator with Coatbridge Health Walks (CHW). Pearl has always enjoyed walking but it is true to say she has always been a very active lady – being a working wife and mother.

She joined CHW in 2005 and soon became a Volunteer Walk Leader. Over the years she has seen many changes – an increase in walks to three per week, monthly ‘away days’, as well as staff changes. Throughout, Pearl has been a mainstay of CHW. I caught up with her recently to ask about her involvement and how she feels about being a Volunteer Officer. This is what she said:

Edinburgh, the Loch Lomond National Park, or Callander in the Trossachs. The free bus pass is a great thing! It’s good to see people enjoying the walks, especially people with disabilities, who get the same benefits and keep coming back.”

Coatbridge in North Lanarkshire has had a Healthy Walks Group since 2002. For the past five years one volunteer has been particularly active, as Ezme Boyd, Healthy Walks Facilitator, explains: I’d like to introduce a very special lady – Pearl Spiers. At first glance she appears to be like any other retired lady but to those who know

“For that hour I can forget any worries and just enjoy the surroundings. It’s also fun and you can go at your own pace.” – Kaye

“You feel like you have achieved something by going on a Health Walk, especially up a BIG HILL!” – Dot

EZME BOYD

“I’ve always walked and having osteoarthritis means I have to keep moving. I enjoy the company and meeting people. When I’m volunteering I like to welcome people and feel good about helping people improve their health.

There are people who have been coming for many years. We all enjoy the company and getting to know each other, which is why I think they keep coming. Even the local bus drivers have got to know us after all this time and frequently wish us well on our walks and with the weather! We used to run 3 walks every week and a monthly away day where we would go to a different place – maybe Cramond, near

But volunteering is more than giving up your time to do an activity, so recently we embarked on giving Pearl new experiences to add to her already impressive list of skills and abilities. One of these was a series of training sessions run over 6 months by SAMH at Redhall Walled Garden in Edinburgh, the aim being to build confidence for those working with people who have experienced poor mental health. Pearl’s life experience proved very valuable, especially to young staff from a range of organisations.

As a paid worker I have huge admiration for Pearl. She’s a fantastic lady, very upbeat and positive. Her commitment is worth celebrating.

She kept CHW going through a long period without a Project Officer – managing all the paperwork, organisation, planning away days etc.

I enjoy our support session where she supports me too. Her willingness to try new things and her enthusiasm for the task makes her in my book a first class volunteer. Pearl – you are a gem and a highly valued member of the BTCV family.

Healthy Walking Groups November 2010

9

JOYCE FAULKNER

Simply the best Each year BTCV recognises the achievements of individuals and groups, ‘Green Heroes’, throughout the UK who are striving to improve their local environment.

The 2010 Green Heroes were announced in October. Pride of place goes to the GreenFerry Trust and the Sea Cadets of Training Ship Lochinvar who not only won the Carbon Army Challenge Award for Scotland but scooped the UK-wide title as well. Joyce Faulkner, Chair of GreenFerry, takes up the story: “GreenFerry and TS Lochinvar have been working together on environmental projects for the last two years. Starting out with support for GreenFerry planting days, the cadets have made improvements to the community garden at the Priory Church (pictured above), taken part in litter picks, and organised the local Beach Watch programme. Next year, they will help construct a bike track near Port Edgar which will

offer additional recreational activities for their youngsters.

In the last two years, TS Lochinvar have increased in numbers from 6 to 65 with the cadets showing themselves to be hard-working, well-behaved, and above all committed to helping their local community and the environment.

The cadets well deserve credit for all their hard work. They support many GreenFerry activities, and we’re very grateful to them. We have been building connections with a few of our youth organisations, and we appreciate the enthusiasm and energy that young people bring to our projects.”

Cadet leader, Ian Nelson, said: “We are delighted to have this national recognition. The marine environmental work particularly suits our junior section, and we plan to build the Beach Watch Campaign for the Marine Conservation Society into our educational programme. We are very pleased to be able to work in partnership with GreenFerry.”

The Carbon Challenge Award was sponsored by RBS Group.

For further information contact: joycejim@btinternet.com or visit: www.greenferry.org.uk

The full list of the Scottish Green Heroes 2010 is:

Going Green in Girvan The Green Heroes Scottish Community Group of the Year is Girvan Community Garden, in Ayrshire. A group of dedicated volunteers have breathed new life into a formerly derelict site at Knockcushan, in the town’s harbour area. The site had lain dormant and neglected for some thirty years.

The founders of the group are three women – Diana Mutimer, Julie Campbell and Etta Auld, who wanted to establish a learning and growing resource for the whole community.

They said: “It’s been a labour of love for all of our volunteers and we have achieved so much in so short a time. It has been a mammoth task to clear the site which has taken over two years during which time we’ve encountered oil tanks, tree roots, glass by the bucket load and all sorts of debris and rubbish. It also took a long time to negotiate a ten year lease with the site’s owners, South Ayrshire Council, on

10

BTCV Volunteer of the Year – Katrina Dunlop BTCV Young Volunteer of the Year – Michael Martin Community Group of the Year – Girvan Community Garden Local Partnership Award – Cromarty Firth Fisheries Trust Carbon Army Challenge Award – GreenFerry Trust and TS Lochinvar Some of the Girvan gardeners.

Natural Health Award – Fiona Hutcheson (see page 3)

top of which the site was for a time under threat of development.”

Natural Talent Award – Alan Smith

So far the group has overcome all of the obstacles put in their way. And, with the basic infrastructure now in place the site is already a busy, colourful and productive community space. The garden has over 25 active members, aged from 9 to 75. From the start the aim has been to create an open, inclusive, and friendly setting for volunteers of all abilities and backgrounds. The project’s main funding has come from Ayrshire Leader and Awards for All. And, BTCV, with funding from Ayrshire and Arran NHS, has organised a Green Gym on site including a youth Green Gym involving youngsters from the Target Leisure Group and most recently pupils from Girvan Academy.

Well done all the winners. For more about BTCV Green Heroes, visit www.btcv.org Looking forward, the intention is for the garden to become a social enterprise generating its own income. It’s hoped to set up a small garden shop and host workshops and activities for adults and children. These, and other creative fundraising efforts, will ensure the garden has a sustainable future.

The Community Group of the Year Award was sponsored by Asda.

For further information visit: www.makeithappen-girvan.org.uk

CLAN Bulletin

Bits and pieces New members A warm welcome to the following groups and organisations which have recently joined CLAN as Full members: Anstruther and District Allotment Association (Fife) Barrmill Community Association (North Ayrshire) Bespoke Organic Events (Edinburgh) Borders Environmental Education Services (BEES) Carsphairn Community Gardens (Dumfries & Galloway) Friends of Dollar Park (Falkirk) Friends of the Old Fort (Fort William) Gallowhill Community Woodland Group (Dumfries & Galloway) Greenspace Services (North Lanarkshire) Kirkconnel Village Pride (Dumfries & Galloway) Skye and Lochalsh Environment Forum Wester Hailes Health Agency (See page 5) West Lothian Council Ranger Service

Helen Paul, one of the fixtures in BTCV Scotland for over nine years, retired during the summer. As Learning Manager, Helen had several roles including the co-ordination of staff and volunteer training and personal development. However, for many people Helen will be most familiar as the organiser of our programme of environmental training courses. Helen dealt with most of the course details, everything from tutors to tuna sandwiches! We wish Helen all the best in her well deserved retirement but she hasn’t exactly been taking it easy having started extensive home renovations in her old house which sits on the banks of the Forth in Stirling.

So, many thanks Helen, and best wishes for the future.

Denise Millan is back with us after taking a break for maternity leave following the birth of her son Travis. Denise is working from our Edinburgh office and says: ”My main focus will be co-ordinating our new Get Some Credit programme for young people. Working closely with Oatridge College in West Lothian we’ll get key staff trained up as assessors, and in turn get some of our young volunteers through SVQ units in Environmental Conservation. I’ll also help organise workshops, events, and newsletters for our Sustainable Community Mentors programme.

And, I’ll be developing our Volunteer Officer (VO) programme, in particular getting our VO

Forum back up and running – giving VOs a voice within BTCV. So, what with one thing and another, I’ll be kept rather busy!”

Jo Ridley, Volunteer Development Officer in Glasgow, is taking a year out from BTCV to go travelling and volunteering in South America, or Equador to be more precise. For the past year Jo has been responsible for running our Midweek volunteers group and fortnightly Sunday group. During her time in Equador Jo will be part of a project surveying plant and animal species in a part of the Amazon basin prior to its becoming a national park. Whilst Jo is away the role of running our Glasgow volunteer group falls to Anna Hamilton who has been appointed as Jo’s replacement.

Anna was a Volunteer Officer in Glasgow for over a year so knows the Glasgow set-up and volunteers well.

We won!

BTCV has recently been named as one of the Charities of the Year in the annual Charity Times Awards. BTCV beat off stiff competition to win the award for charities with an income over £1million. The awards, organised by Charity Times magazine, recognise and reward excellence of charitable activities in the UK. This is a fantastic achievement for BTCV and recognises just what an amazing environmental effort is put in by our staff and volunteers throughout the UK. So, well done us!

Win £500 in BTCV’s photocomp10 Inverie Bay, Knoydart: sue langford

Most Full (paying) members are listed on our website at www.btcv.org/network – click on ’community group finder’ and then the map of Scotland.

Staff news

Do you want your group featured in a future CLAN Bulletin? If so, contact Graham Burns at 0141 552 5294, or g.burns@btcv.org.uk

Congratulations! ...to Bruce MacLennan, one of our regular Green Gym volunteers in Inverness, who has recently been named as one of the 50 people in The Guardian newspaper’s own list of Green Heroes – people making a difference to their communities and environment. Bruce is no stranger to the limelight as he was BTCV’s 2009 Volunteer of the Year.

November 2010

BTCV’s annual photo competition is now open to entries.

Images can be taken on any activity in the last 12 months organised by BTCV or any BTCV Community Network/CLAN member.

The best photos will show volunteers at work and the landscapes or neighbourhoods where we make a difference. They’ll also be interesting, relevant and promote the conservation volunteering experience.

The overall winner gets a £500 cheque plus four runners-up each get a £50 BTCV voucher.

For conditions and details of how to enter go to tinyurl.com/btcvphotocomp10 Deadline for entries is 31 December 2010.

11

It’s only natural BTCV Scotland currently has two training programmes offering a number of fantastic opportunities for the right people to make their mark in the environmental sector.

New Natural Communities BTCV Scotland’s new programme ‘Natural Communities’ may be of interest to people who’d like to develop their skills to engage communities in understanding, valuing and conserving their natural heritage. This could include many people currently involved in running or volunteering with CLAN member groups and organisations.

Over the next three years 24 trainees will each be employed for 12 months on a training programme including work-based training, work towards accredited qualifications eg SVQs, and the development of a personal community environment project.

Natural Communities is being managed by BTCV Scotland and Conservation Volunteers Northern Ireland in partnership with a wide range of community and natural heritage organisations, with financial support from the Heritage Lottery Fund’s ‘Skills for the Future’.

Follow us online youtube.com/BTCVTV twitter.com/btcvscotland facebook.com/BTCVScotland

BTCV SCOTLAND HEAD OFFICE Balallan House, 24 Allan Park, Stirling FK8 2QG tel 01786 479697 fax 01786 465359 e-mail Scotland@btcv.org.uk BTCV REGISTERED OFFICE Sedum House, Mallard Way, Doncaster DN4 8DB tel 01302 388883 fax 01302 311531 e-mail information@btcv.org.uk

Wood ant hills are a distinctive feature of our Caledonian Pinewoods and will no doubt feature in the work of the Natural Talent Apprentice looking at the invertebrates (animals without a backbone) of these important habitats.

Final Natural Talent apprenticeships All trainees will receive a bursary of £12,500 during their 12 month programme, plus expenses to help with travel and training. No formal qualifications are required – all we ask is that you’re committed to the environment and excited about communicating your passion to other people, and what they can do to improve it.

Could you inspire a Natural Community?

The first eight Natural Communities trainees are now being recruited, deadline 17 December.

For further details visit our Natural Communities web page at www.btcv.org/scotland Or, contact Kerry Riddell, Development Manager (Sustainable Communities) on 01848 200184, or e-mail k.riddell@btcv.org.uk

The CLAN Bulletin is published by BTCV Scotland. Views and opinions expressed in the CLAN Bulletin do not necessarily reflect those of the editor or BTCV. Editor: Graham Burns g.burns@btcv.org.uk tel 0141 552 5294

The last four Natural Talent Apprenticeships will commence in January 2011. The Natural Talent programme provides paid apprenticeships for interested (preferably passionate!) individuals to spend a minimum of 12 months working on a particular area of ecological study, with support from BTCV and experts from relevant environmental organisations. The final apprenticeships are devoted to the following topics: l l l l

Lowland Raised Bogs Caledonian Pinewood Invertebrates Saltmarsh Habitat Management Soil Macroinvertebrates

These are great opportunities for four individuals to increase their own experience and skill sets whilst contributing valuable new knowledge to these particular aspects of our natural heritage. Do you have the Natural Talent required? Details and application packs are available at www.btcv.org/naturaltalent.

The deadline is 6 December.

e-mail

©BTCV 2010. BTCV is a Registered charity in Scotland SC039302, and England 261009.

Green Gym is a Registered Trade Mark of BTCV Printed on recycled paper

Over the course of its six years the Natural Talent programme, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, will have involved 32 apprentices.

claN 01.10 GB/RB_Her

BTCV Scotland’s community and environmental volunteering activities are supported by:

12

CLAN Bulletin