19August 2005

Go Wild in September!

Are you interested in wildlife and the countryside? Have you ever wondered why piles of dead wood are left in woodlands? Would like to know how grassland is managed for wildflowers? Does helping your local wildlife appeal to you?

If you answered YES to any of these questions make September the month when you both learn about the green spaces around you and get involved with looking after them. It couldn’t be easier because this September more than 15 local groups in the Blackwater Valley will “Go Wild” through a series of “have a go” sessions that explain the importance of countryside conservation, such as grassland management, coppicing, pathway creation and heathland restoration. The event has been co-ordinated by Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership to highlight the work of conservation groups in the area and to encourage more people to come along to volunteer and help.

Bob Smith has been going out regularly with Blackwater Valley Conservation Volunteers since the first ‘Go Wild’ event two years ago. “I was always interested in wildlife and the countryside and saw a poster promoting ‘Go Wild’ in my local library, so I thought I would go along to my nearest site to find out what it was all about. I discovered it was a good way of doing my bit for countryside conservation and I’ve been volunteering ever since.”

Sue Dent, Countryside & Access Officer with the Blackwater Valley Conservation Partnership stressed: “Volunteers are responsible for most of the conservation and management work that takes place in the Valley. We really value and appreciate all their help, as we could not do without them.”

There are over 20 volunteer events taking throughout the month. Anyone who is interested is invited to come along to meet their local group and try their hand at some of the many practical task involved or just have a chat. Participants need not be super-fit, they can do as much or as little as they want and everyone works at their own pace. As well as being a good way of getting out in the fresh air, conservation volunteering also provides an opportunity to meet new people and socialise.

For a “Go Wild” diary of events phone Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership on 01252 331353. Go Wild programme of events

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For further information about “Go Wild” please contact:
Christine Reeves, Visitor Promotions Officer on 01252 331353.

Did you know?

This is the third “Go Wild” event co-ordinated by Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership.
The Blackwater Valley is around 23 miles long and offers plenty of opportunity for outdoor recreation and relaxation. It has over 30 wildlife sites and 70 lakes and ponds.
Members of the Blackwater Valley Countryside Partnership are: Hampshire County Council, Surrey County Council; the District, Town and Borough Councils of Blackwater & Hawley, Bracknell Forest, Farnham, Guildford, Hart, Rushmoor, Sandhurst, Surrey Heath, Waverley, Wokingham and Yateley.
Over 300,000 people live within a mile and a quarter of the River Blackwater.