Natural England

18 March 2008

Environmental volunteering is for everyone, not just the knowledgeable few, says Sir Martin Doughty, Chair of Natural England, speaking at a national volunteering conference* this week.

The conference aims to find news ways of encouraging more people from a range of backgrounds to give their time to transform their local patch. It will bring together over 100 organisations from across the country to celebrate the role environmental volunteers play in conserving England’s wildlife and landscapes.

Sir Martin said: “The time, energy and enthusiasm that volunteers bring to the environment sector is invaluable. In return they get up close to England’s stunning wildlife, keep healthy and have fun.

“At a time when commitment to the environment from governments and businesses around the world is under scrutiny, local communities are increasingly taking the initiative themselves to do their bit.

“We need to help more people find ways to make a real difference to their local environment, no matter what their background, environmental experience or age and continue to nurture the environmental movement from the ground up,” concluded Sir Martin.

Wildlife presenter and film maker Chris Packham is giving the key note address and the event will be chaired by Professor Laurie Taylor, presenter of BBC Radio 4’s ‘Thinking Allowed’.

Chris Packham added: “Volunteering is entertaining, educational and great fun! Although there’s a miraculous pool of people who are out there all the time, we need people to realise that they can make a difference and volunteering is accessible to everyone. It’s also important to make the best use of the skills people have.”

Tom Levitt, MP and member of the Commission on the Future of Volunteering who is also speaking at the conference said: “We recognise and applaud the essential contribution volunteers make in protecting and enhancing the natural environment which amounts to many thousands of hours of time.  All the organisations represented at this conference provide wonderful opportunities for people to be involved and do their bit for nature.  By working together we can ensure people everywhere know about and benefit from the wide range of  opportunities available”.

Joan Ruddock, Minister for Biodiversity said in support of the conference: "Volunteer work in the natural environment has a long distinguished history and is a richly rewarding experience. Without volunteers our unique landscape would not look the way it does, and green volunteer groups play a key role in inspiring the public to make a difference."

Case study - Friends of Skipwith Common

Skipwith Common is one of the last remaining lowland heaths in the north of England, famous for its wildlife.

A project, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, to restore Skipwith Common and to increase the appreciation and involvement of local communities began in 2003. A Friends of Skipwith Common group now has more than 150 members.

The group has transformed the Common from a site damaged by illegal off-road motorbiking and fly tipping to a wildlife rich heath. Twice-monthly practical work parties compliment the on going site management. Anti-social and damaging behaviour has been dramatically reduced.

Evening meetings in the local pub and guided walks provide more social elements to the groups activities.

Brian Elsey, co-ordinator of the Friends of Skipwith Common said: 'Both my wife and I have benefited greatly from volunteering on Skipwith Common. We have increased our knowledge of wildlife, landscape history and archaeology, have made many new friends and enjoyed helping to improve Skipwith Common for everybody'.

Note: * The ‘Volunteering is…’ conference, Royal York Hotel, 17-18 March is chaired by Professor Laurie Taylor. Speakers include Sir Martin Doughty, Chair of Natural England, Tom Levitt MP, Chair, All Party Parliamentary Group on the Community and Voluntary Sector and Chris Packham.