Many of our local countryside and wildlife management groups rely heavily on volunteer helpers. Groups are organised for specific tasks such as conservation work, maintenance of footpaths and countryside furniture, and support with livestock.
All these organisations rely on matched funding from Councils, landowners and Natural England etc. Matched funding often means that the grant is on a 50/50 basis, but organisations are allowed to make up their 50% by the value of hypothetical payment for volunteer hours. So volunteers are valuable not only to help maintain our countryside heritage but also as a financial resource.
Many companies under their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) banner provide opportunities for their employees to work as volunteers with local authorities and conservationist groups. If you’re interested in volunteering you could either do this on an individual basis or talk to your employer about CSR.
The Friends encourage volunteering with several different groups including:
City of London Open Spaces: Contact: tel 01372 279083 or google 'volunteering city commons'
Downlands Partnership: Contact: tel 01737 737700 or google 'downlands partnership volunteer task programme'
Croydon Conservation Volunteers: Contact: tel: 020 8686 4993 or google 'croydon conservation volunteers'
