News 2008

Conservation Volunteer Day

More Conservation Volunteers Needed!

On Sunday 9th November, the second of six conservation project days took place at Mareham Pastures Local Nature Reserve.  Matthew Davey, Lincolnshire County Council’s Environmental and Community Project Officer said:  ‘The Conservation Volunteer Programme is an excellent way for people of different ages to work together to improve their environment.’   

Zoë Watson, Secretary of the Friends of Mareham Pastures added:  ‘Today a small section of the boundary hedge was laid.  However, we could have accommodated plenty more conservation volunteers; a great deal more could have been achieved today if we had had more volunteer power!’

 Hedge laying is a traditional way of maintaining hedges in Lincolnshire and has been carried out for hundreds of years.  The process involves cutting the base of the stems and laying them over.  The cut stems are tucked tightly together, staked and bound with hazel.  Eventually a new hedge will grow and in the meantime the laid stems act as a living barrier as well as protecting the regrowth. 

The Mareham Pastures Conservation Volunteer Programme aims to provide the opportunity for anyone to get some hands-on experience of conservation work, whatever their previous experience.  The next Conservation Volunteering Day will be on Sunday 7^th December, carrying out preparation for woodland planting in January 2009.   

Anyone interested in taking part can meet at the Lavender Close entrance, off Hawthorne Drive, Southfields, Sleaford for the 10am start, finishing at around 3pm depending on the weather.  If you only have an hour or so to spare, then please come along between these times, introduce yourself to the group and have a try.  Children welcome, but those under 14 years are to be accompanied by an adult. 

Each project will be lead by Matthew Davey, Lincolnshire County Council’s Environmental and Community Project Officer.  Full training, safety briefing, first aid, insurance cover, tea or coffee and biscuits will be provided.  All we ask is that volunteers wear suitable outdoor clothes and stout shoes and bring a packed lunch.  More information is available on our website:  www.marehampastures.co.uk 

Anyone interested in what is happening at Mareham Pastures Local Nature Reserve can receive regular news updates by email or post – contact Zoë Watson – Secretary at info@marehampastures.co.uk or Tel:  01529 307993. 

Alternative contact is Matthew Davey, Lincolnshire County Council Conservation Services:  Tel:   01522 554832

 

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