Roots (Spring/Summer 2012)

The Conservation Volunteers

Supporter Magazine Spring / Summer 2012 | Reclaiming green places since 1959

JOIN IN, FEEL GOOD.

, OK O L E W NE SAM ON I T AC

Green Hubs Green Shopping Green Getaways

www.tcv.org.uk

DIG OUR NEW WEBSITE Find opportunities near you Check out the latest news Shop for essential conservation merchandise Support The Conservation Volunteers

www.tcv.org.uk Inside this issue Our New Look Message from Tom Flood 3 Green Hubs 5 News 6 Roots Meets Natalie Humphreys 7 Green shopping It’s all about the Birds & the Bees 8 Green getaways 9 Big Green Weekend 10 Have Your Say Chocolate Brownies with a Twist

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The Conservation Volunteers

Tom Flood CBE, Chief Executive

For over 50 years BTCV has been actively supporting communities and volunteers to reclaim the green places that matter to them. I have been part of this fantastic charity for 25 years and have always been inspired by the impact we make on people and places in the UK and across the world.

We are, as Sir David Attenborough our vice president puts it, “The unsung heroes of the environment.”

I am stepping down as Chief Executive in July. I was determined that my legacy for BTCV would be to raise awareness of our fantastic work and achieve recognition that we require support both in time and donations. This need has become even greater in recent years when we like many organisations in the voluntary sector have been affected by the current economic climate.

Last year, I was delighted to welcome Rita Clifton as our Chair, who has supported the challenge of raising our profile. Against the continued loss of green space across the UK, now is the time to refresh our brand and encourage more people to support The Conservation Volunteers.

I want to take this opportunity to thank all the conservation volunteers and our supporters who enable us to make such a huge impact. I know that my successor will work closely with all of you in carrying forward our vital work.

Tom Flood CBE, Chief Executive

I have always been an admirer of the great work this charity does, and it has been a privilege to be involved as Chair. The dedication of our staff, volunteers and supporters is extraordinary. Since I joined, so many stakeholders, both inside and outside, have told me how strongly they feel that this great charity deserves to be better known and better supported. The strengthened and refreshed brand will help everyone to make this happen.

As far as the name is concerned, all the research and consultation the team have done has pointed to the importance of a simplified name as part of this.

People felt that “The Conservation Volunteers” is easier to say and remember; it respects our history, defends our territory as the leading organisation that invented conservation volunteering, and above all it talks about the people who are at the heart of what we do.

The refreshed brand brings to life our aims and purpose, and highlights our role in reclaiming green places for all. This is needed now more than ever at a time when one third of the UK’s natural assets are in danger of being lost or degraded. It is the small community spaces – parks, playing fields and allotments – that are most vulnerable.

I would like to thank Tom Flood for his dedication to our cause over 25 years. I look forward to appointing our new Chief Executive, who will build on Tom’s legacy, taking us forward to an even brighter future.

Rita

tcv.org.uk/giving 2

N E E S R G UB H

As part of our work to raise our profile we will be developing key sites across the UK. These Green Hubs will be the heart of The Conservation Volunteers network. Each will act as a focal point for care of local green places. Providing people with a visible location to find out who we are and how they can join in.

Each hub will be designed around the needs of their local community and environment. Offering people and groups the opportunities and support they need to make a real and lasting impact. By working with The Conservation Volunteers local people, groups, councils and businesses will reclaim the places that might otherwise be neglected.

Our Green Hubs will be launching throughout the coming months, but we wanted to give you a sneak preview.

Skelton Environment Centre in Leeds was opened 20 years ago. Since then, The Conservation Volunteers have transformed the 6 acre site into an amazing nature reserve that has enriched more than 100,000 lives. In partnership with National Grid, who own the land where the centre is located, the community and many other funders have supported the development of the site. In 2003 we were able to build an innovative eco-building centre that provides an inspiring place for all to come to learn, play and join in with our work.

“Our volunteers are an inspiration - people of diverse ages, abilities and experience come together to care for Skelton Grange. Some may only pop in occasionally, others support us full time for many months, all of them make a difference to their local environment and community.�

Caroline, Skelton Grange

3 Join in, feel good

The Singleton Environment Centre in Ashford, Kent, is a haven of peace just three miles from a busy town centre, international train station and the M20 motorway. The eco-friendly centre is run by The Conservation Volunteers on behalf of Ashford Borough Council and provides opportunities for volunteering, school visits, training, meetings and events. It is the gateway to the Ashford Community Woodland – a wonderful green space created by The Conservation Volunteers and now managed by the local community.

We also have a fantastic family run café featuring local produce, so come down and join in.

In the heart of Haringey, North London, the Railway Fields site is looked after by The Conservation Volunteers on behalf of the London Borough of Haringey and local communities. This former disused railway goods yard now boasts a Green Flag award for environmental quality.

Lush vegetation blocks out noise from the surrounding streets, and provides an urban oasis for the locals. That doesn’t just mean people, over the last few years, 21 kinds of butterfly and more than 60 species of birds have been recorded at Railway Fields.

Green Hubs create opportunities for all

tcv.org.uk/giving 4

ECO-CONSCIOUS TEENAGER IN RUNNING FOR TOP AWARD The Conservation Volunteer Willie Richardson has been nominated for one of this year’s prestigious Sunday Mail Young Scot Awards.

18 year old Willie, from Alloa, has been nominated in the environment category for his work with The Conservation Volunteers, including creating new habitats and increasing biodiversity.

The awards, in association with The Co-operative Foundation, celebrate achievements of 11-26 year olds who have made a positive impact on the lives of others and who have made a real difference in local communities.

A glittering awards ceremony will be held at Glasgow’s Hilton Hotel where X Factor winner Matt Cardle will perform.

For more news check out our website tcv.org.uk/news

Major Facelift for Yorkshire Park The Conservation Volunteers has just started work which will transform a green space in Doncaster, South Yorkshire. The 18 month project, in partnership with The Glass Park Millennium Trust, will see the restoration and enhancement of Glass Park in Kirk Sandall.

Footpaths and access will be improved and encroaching scrub will be cleared. The park will also get new benches, plants, trees and wildflowers.

Art installations will add extra interest. Volunteers on the project include many local people and community groups.

5 Join in, feel good

ROOTS MEETS NATALIE HUMPHREYS COMMUNITY FUNDRAISER

How are you involved with The Conservation Volunteers?

I work in the ‘Garden of England’ that is Kent. I’m based at the Singleton Environment Centre and my role is as the Community and Volunteer Fundraising Manager focussing on the South East of England.

What attracted you to us?

I love working with local communities and volunteers and have a love of the outdoors and all things green.

The charity does both - exceptionally well!

What green space means a lot to you and why?

My courtyard garden with its secret window! It’s a lovely suntrap (on the days that the sun decides to shine!) and I’ve managed to squeeze in some wildflowers to keep the bees happy, a herb garden and some fruit and veg plants proving that even a tiny green space can still be both beautiful and productive!

Natalie Humphreys, Community Fundraiser

And finally… what is the best thing about your job?

What could be nicer than working in an eco-friendly centre, knowing that you are helping to improve the local environment for future generations.

Giving locally The Conservation Volunteers Skelton Grange Environment Centre has signed up to LocalGiving.com, a website which allows the centre to receive much needed donations from individuals like you. In March, the Leeds Community Foundation matched any donation made through the website. An amazing response saw £3150 being raised in just one day! That’s great news for Skelton’s local community and environment!

If your office can help The Conservation Volunteers by recycling used printer cartridges, please contact us on 01302 388883!

Thank you!

Recycling your printer cartridges… as easy as ABC The Conservation Volunteers Singleton Environment Centre is operated in partnership with Ashford Borough Council, running volunteering groups, conservation training and education sessions for local schools. ABC and their partners at the Civic Centre, are recycling used printer cartridges to help raise funds for The Conservation Volunteers and minimise their effect on the environment. tcv.org.uk/giving 6

21ST CENTURY SHOPPING; RETRO, RECYCLED, RENOVATED!

The Conservation Volunteers use proceeds from the shop to build nature gardens, improve allotments and tidy up woodland across the Sheffield region.

Our charity shop in Sheffield has had a fantastic six months since opening back in October.

The shop, situated on trendy Ecclesall Road in the student quarter, sells retro fashion, second hand books and renovated furniture.

Since it opened the Big Green Bag has introduced a new concept in thrift shopping.

Stock is collected through kerb collections, up-cycled by volunteers and then proceeds from the shop are ploughed back into environmental volunteering projects.

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE BIRDS AND THE BEES (but don’t forget the butterflies, insects and moths!!!!)

WATCH THIS SPACE FOR MORE OPENING SOON!

Attract birds, bees, butterflies and other valuable insects with The Conservation Volunteers Retail’s extensive range of native wildflower plugs, bulbs and seed. With many species in decline due to habitat loss, planting native wildflower species is one way of reintroducing the habitats they need to survive.

From Agrimony to Yarrow, we offer a service to get you growing. You can order individual species or one of our habitat plug collections (available in 50 and 150 plug packs) where you let us choose the plants (min 10 different species).

We also offer individual wildflower seed, 80% Grass / 20% Wildflower mixes as well as 100% wildflower and 100% Grass mixes in a variety of sizes to suit.

Please check our website for more details on stock tcv.org.uk/shop

7 Join in, feel good

HOLIDAYS WHICH CAN CHANGE YOUR WORLD Living Landscapes, Italy If you appreciate gardening, restoration and have a love for Italian food then our Living landscapes conservation holiday is for you!

Set in the Umbrian hills surrounded by picturesque olive groves, this holiday is perfect for lovers of the rural idyll and conservation holidays with that extra bit of comfort.

Working in the breathtaking gardens of The Villa Pianciani Delizia, volunteers can expect a wide range of gardening activities and restoration works whilst experiencing fantastic home-cooked Italian food provided by our hosts.

It’s going to be great fun and a real chance to do something different. The holiday runs between Sat 29th September and Sat 13th October and costs £445 for one week or £635 if you book both weeks.

To take advantage of this impressive offer call us on 01302 388883.

Fancy something closer to home? We have holidays running in some spectacular locations!

From the Lake District National Park, the spectacular beaches of Devon and Cornwall, the Derbyshire Peak District to the beautiful gardens of Ashburnham in East Sussex or Belvoir Castle in Leicestershire, we have a holiday to suit you.

Broaden your horizons.

Make new friends.

Make a difference! Visit

www.tcv.org.uk

Or call

01302 388 883

Photography by Gemma Hall

tcv.org.uk/giving 8

BIG GREEN WEEKEND 2012 In 2011, over 3500 people joined in with our first Big Green Weekend.

Volunteers improved their physical environment, learnt how they can individually and as a European community make a difference and most importantly had fun!

“The fact that there were similar activities going on at the same time, motivated people to participate and be part of a global movement.” ELIX A key part of the weekend is bringing together the action of conservation volunteers from across Europe, through the Conservation Volunteer Alliance. ELIX, our partner in Greece, ran a fantastic event involving 175 volunteers including staff from the Stavros Niarchos Foundation.

Feeling inspired? The great news is you can join in.

“Excellent day! Children have learnt so much and want to do more.” Ishrat At Singleton Environmental Centre there were guided walks, food foraging forays, minibeast hunts and pond dipping. Children enjoyed the wildlife face painting and the homemade vegetable soup and music in the centre was appreciated by all. They even built a greenhouse from old plastic bottles. Visit them this year and see what they have managed to grow.

WE WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE

9 Join in, feel good

Big Green Weekend will be happening every year, across Europe, on the first weekend in October. In 2012 it is going to be bigger and better than before with more events across Europe and more people joining in. So get the date in your diary and keep an eye on our website to find out about events near you.

5-7th October 2012 EVENTS ACROSS EUROPE AND THE UK!

THE E V SA ATE! D

FOR SUPPORTING THE BIG GREEN WEEKEND

HAVE YOUR SAY Facebook via PeoplesHealthTrust “Green Gym is a lifeline for older people like me. I enjoy planting trees, growing food and helping wildlife. My doctor says my health has really improved. The exercise helps you to lose weight, get healthier - and best of all, I’ve ... made some great new friends.” Ernie, Norwich

8 out of 10 volunteers said they would join us for another day out!

Chocolate Brownies with a twist These brownies are a great way for you to use up your vegetable gluts later in the year. You can use beetroot you have grown from seed or replace with raw grated courgette or carrot.

Write into our letter page and let us know how they go down, you could even hold a cake sale for us.

Tweet all about it! @sarahofholloway: excited to be working with @btcv and @walkengland to bring outdoor exercise and mental health promotion together Follow us @TCVTWEETS Volunteer feedback Working for BTCV has helped me gain more confidence in myself and helped to make the next step to finding employment. I have also gained more knowledge about plants and trees that may help me in finding a job in a nursery or garden centre.

Had a day out with The Conservation Volunteers?

Please send us your stories... we’d love to hear from you!

These are a great way to use up any leftover chocolate and sneak some vegetables into a naughty treat.

250g Cooked Beetroot, Grated (don’t used pickled) 75g Dark Chocolate, Melted 125g Unsalted Butter, Softened 300g Soft Brown Sugar 3 Eggs 75g Cocoa Powder 200g Self Raising Flour

USE UP YOUR VEGGIES!

Beat the butter, sugar and eggs until light and fluffy.

Stir in the melted chocolate Sift in the flour and cocoa powder and fold gently.

Grate in the beetroot, if you are using raw beetroot peel and steam or microwave for 12 minutes or until soft first.

Pour into a greased brownie tin measuring 20 -22cm and cook at 180°C for 40 -50 minutes.

Your brownies should still be gooey in the middle.

Allow to cool in the tin, then slice and serve. tcv.org.uk/giving 10

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT US Donate - Whether you want to make a one-off or a regular gift, your support will help fund practical conservation work that makes Britain a greener, better place.

US T T I A S VI AY .UK D G TO .OR V TC

Volunteer - If you have the time, then we have the tools. Join us and make a difference to an area near you whilst learning new skills, enjoying the benefits of nature and forming new friendships.

Holidays - Choose from an extensive range of conservation holidays, in the UK and worldwide and enjoy the experience of a lifetime.

Shop - From books to bulbs to boots, you’ll find a huge variety of goods to help you improve your own garden or the local environment.

Recycle - If you have an old mobile phone, used printer cartridges or even an unwanted car we can help you get rid of them and get some money back for The Conservation Volunteers!

N! IT O HIS S S PA GIVE T SE OR PLEA RIENDS AD TO F Y TO RE .

IL FAM TER YOU F A

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The Conservation Volunteers Sedum House Mallard Way Doncaster DN4 8DB Email: information@tcv.org.uk Telephone: 01302 388 883 www.tcv.org.uk The Conservation Volunteers (TCV) is a trading name of BTCV Registered Charity in England (261009) and Scotland (SC039302). Registered in England as a limited company No. 976410

Printed on paper manufactured from 100% recycled fibre

The Conservation Volunteers