Countrycare Volunteer Group

Countrycare Volunteer Group – Think Globally, Act Locally!

Volunteers are the lifeblood of Countrycare and since 1986, over 127,500 volunteer hours have been given to the service. This equates to nearly £800,000 using a recognised goverment rate of £6.25/hour. It goes without saying that without this fantastic support only a fraction of the work would have been possible. However, we always need more help so if you have any spare time why not gove it a go - get fit and do your bit for the environment.

Volunteers are involved in the whole spectrum of tasks undertaken by the service ranging from habitat management work such as pond restoration through to access projects such as building paths and bridges. Not only are there benefits to the wider community and wildlife, but the volunteers benefit greatly too in improved heath and sense of well being. There is increasing evidence coming forward that clearly demonstrates contact with wildlife and physical exercise outdoors enhances people’s health both mentally and physically.

Help is always needed, so if you fancy getting involved in practical conservation work why not give it a try? There are always tasks to suit all ages and abilities. Full details of projects can be found on our news and events page and in "EYE" and a round up of all the news and events from the Conservation sections of Epping Forest District Council’s Policy and Conservation Sections.

Information about volunteering with Countrycare.

How do I Volunteer with Countrycare?

Countrycare organises a working party for volunteers every Thursday and occasional dates at weekends. In conjunction with the West Essex Group of the Ramblers Association, there is a working party on the second Tuesday of each Month.

Each month we produce a Monthly Update Sheet with full details of  volunteering opportunites for the month. This is available by clicking here. Alternatively you can call the Countrycare office on (01992) 788 203 and talk to a member of staff . We also produce a Newsletter called "EYE" three times a year. This can also be download form the Countrycare website here.   

What do the working parties do?

Throughout the year we undertake a whole range of tasks, but our main activities are:

1. Woodland Management

   This may involve felling some trees and coppicing others. Coppicing is the practice of cutting trees at ground level, which causes them to bush out as they re-grow, giving improved cover for wildlife. Some of the cut wood may be used to create dead hedges or as stakes for hedge laying projects.

2. Hedgerow Management

   Hedgerow management can range from planting the hedge or filling in gaps in an existing hedge to carrying out hedge laying. Hedge laying involves cutting part way through the trunk of the shrubs and trees in the hedge, and laying them at a 45 º angle. They are then supported by banging in stakes of wood harvested from woodland work. Hedge laying gives a hedge a very distinctive appearance and also helps to thicken it, making it more attractive to wildlife.

3. Grassland Management

   Countrycare manages a number of sites as wildflower meadows. This is done by taking a hay cut from them each year which helps reduce nutrient levels and, therefore, competition from other grassland species. Grassland work also takes place in a number of Churchyards and roadside nature reserves around the District.

4. Pond Management

   Ponds need management to prevent them from becoming silted up, and it is often advantageous to modify the slope of an existing pond’s edge to make it more suitable for wildlife. Countrycare also creates ponds on some sites to add to the range of habitats that the area offers.

Where is the work done?

Countrycare works on sites throughout the Epping Forest District but only occasionally in the forest itself, which is managed by the City of London (Epping Forest). Work is done on over 30 sites mostly owned by the District Council, landowners and Parish Councils, 9 of which are Local Nature Reserves. The sites are very varied including ancient woodland, roadside nature reserves, flood meadows and even sites that were once waste ground that are having wildlife habitats created on them.

When are the work days and do I have to come every week?

Our main volunteer day is Thursday and we go out every week. We also do occasional weekend work. It is entirely up to you whether you come out every week, once a month or whenever you have a day free. There is no official membership and everyone is welcome.

How do I get to the work site?

For all the Thursday  projects there is a 9.30am pick up in the Countrycare Landrover at Loughton Station and return at the end of the day, usually by 4.30pm. Otherwise you can make your own way to the published meet point. Many of our volunteers have made arrangements to share cars.

What do I need to bring?

Countrycare projects are often messy so old clothes are the best option. A waterproof jacket and over trousers (if you have them) are also very useful, as are Wellington boots or sturdy walking boots preferably with steel toecaps, but this is not essential. Tea and biscuits are supplied three times a day, but you will need to bring your own lunch and any cold drinks you may want. All the necessary tools are supplied, as is all the training and support that you will need to complete the project.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Whatever the weather, the Countrycare staff will always be at the pick up and meeting points. Projects are not usually abandoned just because of rain, which is why waterproofs are necessary, but if working conditions become unsafe the decision will be taken to stop working for the day.

Do volunteers get involved in any other activities apart from the working parties?

Each summer Countrycare give the volunteers a break from the usual tasks and offers them a tour of the various sites that have been worked on over the last year. This gives volunteers the opportunity to see the results of their labours, for example a good crop of orchids growing where there used to be brambles and nettles. In December, there is an outdoor Christmas lunch of baked potatoes and mince pies following a morning’s work. Volunteers are encouraged to submit items for inclusion in “EYE”, which is published every four months, with poems, puzzles, articles and sketches. There is also an opportunity to help participate in some of the special events Countrycare organise for school children and families.

Do I need previous experience?

No - All volunteers are supervised by Countrycare staff who give clear instructions and training for each task that you are asked to do. Many of the regular volunteers are experienced and as most jobs are done in small teams, one of them will work with you.

Some of the jobs sound like heavy work. Will I be able to cope?

There is usually a sufficient variety of jobs to keep everyone occupied with tasks to suit all and jobs are rotated so that everyone gets a break.

Is there an age limit to become a volunteer?

Our volunteer group comprises men and women of all ages ranging from secondary school pupils gaining work experience to people well into their retirement. If you are keen and physically fit enough for outdoor work, age doesn’t matter.

If you require any further information or would like to contact us:

• Telephone 01992 788 203
• Mobile 07789 372 018
• Email: contactcountrycare@eppingforestdc.gov.uk 

 

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