This Christmas holiday why not join us on Thursday 27th December for a little conservation volunteering? A chance to get out in the fresh air, clear the head, get some exercise and come together as a community to improve our local nature reserve. We haven’t had many weekend sessions for a while but hope many people will still be off work and keen to join us, perhaps as a family.

We’ll be treated to a quick winter wildlife talk by our own resident conservationist, Elliot Newton, before getting on with a range of tasks from litter picking to digging some drainage ditches for the hawthorn tunnel, as well as planting 250 spring flowering bulbs that we were awarded through a grant.  And there’s loads more to do if time allows!

Everyone is welcome of all ages. Children below 14 must have parental supervision at all times. Children 14-18 may volunteer alone with parental consent forms completed on the day.

Dress for the weather, be prepared for the cold and wet, and we’ll supply all the tools. We’ll be finished by 1pm but feel free to let us know on the day if you need to leave earlier.  Feel free to bring a sandwich or snack as we’ll stop for a break halfway through and as always we’ll bring along some biscuits & hot drinks; please do bring a reusable cup if you have one. As always, we’ll meet at 10am outside the Berrylands Scout Hut just off Stirling Walk which you can reach from either Grand Avenue or Raeburn Avenue.

If coming by public transport, the K2 bus stops on Raeburn Avenue (Pine Gardens stop) and Berrylands Station is your nearest railway station. If driving, there is a public car park off Meldone Close at the south entrance to Raeburn Open Space, home of Berrylands Nature Reserve.

We really hope many of you will be up for a little community conservation volunteering together over the festive season. Please feel free to message or email us with any questions and we’ll respond as quickly as possible subject to wrapping/opening presents and eating mine pies!