VOLUNTEER NEWSLETTER
JULY-AUGUST 2020
Programme introduction We are once again able to operate a revised volunteer conservation programme but it is necessary to alter the way in which we do this because of Covid 19.
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Group size must be smaller to conform with social distancing measures and will be a maximum of 6 people. Our sites have been assessed for social distancing.
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Telephone bookings will be necessary in advance in view of the limited places.
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Health and wellbeing measures remain paramount AND IF YOU ARE FEELING AT ALL UNWELL, PLEASE DO NOT CONSIDER JOINING US UNTIL YOU ARE FEELING BETTER!
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Tools will need carefully allocating and should be kept for the whole day if at all possible. They will need to be wiped down throughout the day.
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Volunteers are required to bring their own work gloves, as well as work clothes and suitable footwear.
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Please bring packed lunches and provide your own hot/cold drinks as required.
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Please bring your own soap or hand sanitiser. We suggest a hygiene kit of soap/sanitiser, towel and flask of hot water for washing hands at break times.
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Please help us to help you and reassure us all over health and hygiene. KEEP YOUR OWN GLOVES; CLEAN YOUR TOOLS; WASH YOUR HANDS and KEEP YOUR DISTANCE - GTHD for short!!
During the lockdown some individual members were able to keep in touch with some of our sites close to where they live, and this has been very much appreciated by both the local communities and the LDCV as a whole. It is making a difference on the accumulation of the ‘little and often’ principle, especially a time of year when growth is really happening. Extra care and vigilance are required just now and the safety of both volunteers and resident communities remains paramount.
5 JULY - Mossgate School, Heysham, 12.30pm Having now completed the new dipping platform, we are able to carry out restoration work on the old dipping platform, to allow more children to have access to the pond. Children have already been involved in planting up the pond. There is also management work required in and around the woodland extension.
12 JULY - Thurnham wildflower meadow, 10.00am The site has been monitored during lockdown. It will be good to see how well it has done. Selective weeding and cutting required.
26 JULY - Bee and butterfly garden, Hazelwood Farm, Silverdale, 10.00am Two sections of dry stone wall are in danger of collapse, which would allow cattle to gain access! Learn the process of dry stone walling. Other garden management work will be required in the garden itself.
9 AUGUST - Penhale Woodland, Heysham, 10.00am Checking and weeding the trees and shrubs planted over the winter. Clearing the pathways and topping up with bark chippings, to allow the residents to safely walk around the wood.
23 AUGUST - Belmount Farm meadows and newly laid hedge, Slyne, 10.00am An annual portion of the meadows will need to be strimmed and raked off to lower fertility and enhance diversity. The hedge will need checking and weeding to help the new plants to become established. The copse will need checking and some canopy raising may be required.
