Project development - Newbury Nature Corridor

Newbury Friends of the Earth is looking for someone who would like to help wildlife within the Newbury area! There is an opportunity to get involved with a whole range of activities, from the practical work we are doing planting bulbs, hedges and trees etc, to more desk-based research to help develop the project eg by identifying and implementing an effective mapping tool, and outreach to organisations offering help or other interested groups wishing to set up Nature Corridors in their own localities. Setting up systems to monitor wildlife and evaluate the success of the project. Occasional fundraising work will also be necessary, in collaboration with other core team members.

This is a home-based role carried out largely online.

The group activities take place in Newbury and its surroundings. Most of the research and outreach work can be done remotely. Meetings of the core group are held in Newbury.

About Newbury Friends of the Earth

Newbury Friends of the Earth is the local group of national Friends of the Earth campaigning community - pushing for change on causes which matter to our area, the UK and beyond!

Recent campaigns and activities include the Climate Emergency Action plan, the Clean Air campaign, a Warm Shops campaign, and since 2020 the planting and maintenance of Lockdown Woods in which 2,000 native tree saplings were planted in 5 different locations, 3 in Newbury, 1 in Hungerford and 1 in Hamstead Marshall. Two of these woodlands are comprised of trees raised from seed by local residents.

In May 2024 a walk was organised to mark the opening of the Newbury Nature Corridor linking two Lockdown Woods (Barn Crescent and Goldwell Park). This project is in collaboration with Newbury Town Council, West Berks Council and the two large schools in the area- John Rankin Infants and Junior Schools and St Barts Senior school, plus local Scout troops. The project aims to increase habitats for wildlife in public spaces, the school grounds, and gardens belonging to local residents. The intended outcome is a greener, healthier environment for both humans and wildlife. It is a multiyear project.

More detail is available www.newburyfoe.co.uk

What skills do I need?

A love of being outdoors and a concern for our wildlife would be a given for this role. It would be very helpful if the person was familiar with general conservation and environmental issues, although no professional scientific knowledge is necessary. We are a friendly group of folk, so I'm sure anyone would fit in and enjoy working with our team.

When is this role available?

This is a flexible role available on various days/times.

Details

The amount of time a volunteer would allocate to this role can be variable and flexible, to fit around their other activities! Research and outreach would tend to be home desk-based, with occasional meetings with other core team members, both aspects flexible in timing. If a volunteer could allocate approx. 3 hours per week to R&D (!), that would be a great boon for the project It would also be great if they are able to join in our work parties in various locations around south and central Newbury - these generally happen on weekend mornings and are identified well in advance. This would help with team-building, and understanding of the parameters of the project.

Where does this role take place?