National Volunteer Week 1-7 June
Coventry Water Vole
Project: Balsam Bashing and Plug
Planting!
Saturday 2 June and Wednesday 5 June: 10am - 3.30pm
at Lake View Park, off Lake View
Road, Coventry.
The Coventry Water Vole Project this year
kicks off on Saturday 22 May - the International Day for
Biodiversity!
We need your help in improving the habitat
along the river for Britain's most severely threatened native
mammal, the water vole. Water voles have declined by as much as 95%
in Warwickshire in recent years, and it is thought that if we don't
act fast, then this charismatic riverside animal will become
extinct within our lifetimes.
The project will involve removing the
non-native invasive plant Indian (Himalayan) balsam and replanting
the area with native 'water vole friendly' wetland plants
Tea/coffee and biscuits will be provided,
but bring along a packed lunch if you wish to stay all day. Please
wear suitable clothing and footwear, i.e. wellies!
The project will span one month and be
split over nine days - Saturdays will be led by Coventry City
Council and Wednesdays will be led by the Trust. For the full list
of dates, please visit the Wetlands page.
COST: FREE EVENT
The Trust gratefully acknowledges the
generous support of Debenhams Coventry for this project from the
sale of carrier bags in-store.
Work Parties on Thursday 3, Sunday
6 and Monday 7 June
On Thursday 3 June at 9.15 am
Join the volunteer team at Brandon
Marsh Site of Special Scientific
Interest, near Coventry and assist in the management of
this wetland nature reserve. Please meet at the car park at Brandon
Marsh Nature Centre, off Brandon Lane at grid reference
SP386761.
On Sunday 6 June at 9.00 am
Join volunteer warden Dave Solliss at
Hampton Wood, Barford to work in
this beautiful ancient woodland and its associated water meadows
alongside the River Avon. Meet at the entrance [grid reference
SP254600] on the Sherbourne to Hampton Lucy road.
On Sunday 6 June at 10.00 am
Join volunteer warden Ron Hill for a
woodland work party at Clowes Wood and New Fallings
Coppice Site of Special Scientific
Interest. Please meet at the woodland entrance off Wood
Lane, Earlswood at grid reference SP101743.
On Monday 7 June at 10.00 am
Join volunteer warden Derek Lill for
a work party at Cock Robin Wood, Rugby.
Please meet at the Dunchurch Road
entrance at grid reference SP493724.
COST: These events are free
and full training will be given.
For ALL the events listed, please bring
appropriate weatherproof clothing and strong footwear.
Tim Haselden, Living Landscapes Wetland
Project Officer says, "This is just the week to come and volunteer
with us as June 1 - 7 is National Volunteer Week, when volunteers,
the projects they are involved with and the contribution they make
is celebrated. The importance of this project to eradicate
Himalayan Balsam from a potential Water Vole habitat in Coventry
cannot be stressed enough so come and be a part of the action."
For further information, please contact Tim
Haselden on 024 7630 8995
ENDS
Press Contact: Tim Haselden on 024 7630
8995
Notes to Editor
Warwickshire Wildlife Trust is the leading
local charity for wildlife and the environment. The Trust
currently cares for over 55 nature reserves throughout
Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull, and has a wide range of
conservation activities taking place throughout the year. For
further details or to get a copy of our leaflet "Wild Events and
Activities" please contact the Trust on 024 7630 8999, drop into
the Trust's Visitor Centres at Brandon Marsh Nature Centre and
Parkridge Centre in Brueton Park, Solihull, pick up a leaflet in
your local library or visit our website on
www.warwickshire-wildlife-trust.org.uk