A York conservation charity which has undergone a makeover to recruit more volunteers has been helping to protect one of Yorkshire's internationally important hay meadows.
Sporting a new name and new look, The Conservation Volunteers York was previously known as the BTCV which has been running environmental projects in York since 1986. It is now planning to improve even more green places and want more people to join in.
The charity is expanding the number of projects in which volunteers can participate including the York Green Gym, the York Get Growing and the BUGG projects as well as the traditional practical Vale of York Conservation Volunteer projects.
Yesterday, volunteers were working with Natural England to help manage the hay meadows at Lower Derwent Valley National Nature Reserve to try and control the Marsh Ragwort which is poisonous to horses.
Their work allows the traditional method of management without machinery which promotes the survival of the rare and scarce plants that thrive on the Ings, and helps maintain a habitat for wildlife.
Craig Ralston, Natural England's senior reserve manager for the Lower Derwent Valley NNR, said: "Working in partnership with The Conservation Volunteers is vital to the management of this traditional farming landscape and all the special wildlife that depends on it. It's also a unique opportunity to get right out in the middle of the meadows amongst the fantastic array of wild flowers and enjoy some fresh air and good company with like minded people.”
Other recent tasks for volunteers have included step building at Nidd Gorge near Knaresborough, as well as many York areas such as the habitat enhancement on York Strays and wild flowering the City walls.
In York, the charity is offering volunteering opportunities up to six days each week all year.
Andy Brown, project officer at York, said: “We’d love to see more people volunteering with us and making a real difference to their communities. We're happy for people to commit whatever they can. We want to protect and nurture Yorkshire's green places, but we need help to be able to do it.”
To find out more phone 01904 644300 or email york@tcv.org.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here