Local conservation group appeal for volunteers

• Mar. 20 by Raspal Sian (0)

A conservation group in Birmingham is appealing for volunteers to help clear twenty-five acres of woodland area in the Ackers Trust site in Sparkhill, Birmingham.

The area, which is currently derelict, will be transformed into an eco-friendly nature reserve where wildlife and plants will be able to flourish.

The environmental conservation group – British Trust for Conservation Volunteer (BTCV) is in the process of rejuvenating the land and turning it into a green-belt area where wild and agricultural land will be used environmentally to protect local wildlife.

They are hoping that this will improve air quality, give local people the opportunity to access recreational opportunities and create habitats for exotic plants and wildlife.

Ackers Trust

The land is located two miles from Birmingham City Centre and is near Ackers Trust – a large recreational area that includes an artificial ski slope and sports centre – and was built in 2005 with funding from the National Lottery.

The site was formerly home to the Birmingham Small Arms Company (BSA) who manufactured motorcycles, firearms and ammunition, and is situated near an off-road cycling route.

Stefan Lewandowski, Senior Project Officer for BTCV, said:

‘The site has been neglected for some time now and there are a range of conservation jobs that need to be put in place so that we can continue to change the area and improve the surrounding environment.

The opportunity to volunteer is open to all ages and abilities and we are always looking for people and groups to get involved.

All volunteers who become involved will be trained on-site and I am always happy to provide extra training to individuals that would like to become involved on a regular basis.’

BTCV

The group was established in 1959 and has a long history of getting involved in conservation projects within the UK and abroad.

They support 300,000 volunteers worldwide and 1, 936 community groups helping them make a difference to their community and the environment. In the West Midlands they work with 103 community groups on over 400 rural and urban sites.

The hands on approach that BCTV will bring to conservation for 2009-2013 aim to ‘improve the environment in 75, 000 areas, actively support 1.5 million people in environmental activities, help 50, 000 people into employment, protect bio-diversity, develop eco-tourism in the UK and abroad and build sustainable communities’.

Other work

They are also involved in a ‘Green Gym’ which is located on the same site –  where they are working  in partnership with the Learning Skills Council (LSC) to help the unemployed and people with disabilities gain recognised training qualifications and practical skills in conservation.

Lewandowski, added:

‘The trustees of the site are looking for the group to become self-sustaining in the future so that they can take a back-seat and let a local team take over the running of the site and use it for events and educational activities for everyone living in the area.’

If you would like further information or would like to volunteer, contact: West-Midlands@btcv.org.uk.