Wildlife Action Group Volunteer Work Programme

Are you looking for fresh air, fun and exercise? If so, come along and join us on Sundays or Wednesdays and do some important and worthwhile practical work on nature reserves around Bristol, Bath and Avon.

The Wildlife Action Group (WAG) meet in the courtyard at our office on 32 Jacobs Wells Road, Bristol on Wednesday and Sunday at 9.50am, and then are taken out by minibus at 10am to one of Avon Wildlife Trusts Nature Reserves and carryout conservation work. This work is seasonal, so in the summer the work is drystone walling, stock fencing, path maintenance, hide repair and grass cutting using scythes to name a few. In the winter we turn our hands to hedgelaying, coppicing, bramble bashing, and small tree felling. Tasks are carried out using hand tools, and occasionally drills. All training on how to carry out the task is given, plus hot drinks and biscuits.

All you would need to bring is a packed lunch and to wear suitable clothing (winter - warm, waterproof clothing and summer - light trousers and clothing that will offer you protection from the sun) and sturdy footwear (preferably steel toe capped boots). Please make sure you have an up to date tetanus vaccination before joining the group.

The group is informal and there is no booking system. All you would need to do is turn up when you have some free time, and pop your name down on the sign-in sheet. The Trust has a minibus which can seat 15 people, therefore it is first come first seated. 

If this interests you, please turn up at around 9.40am on your first session so that the volunteer leader can take you through the new volunteer forms and get you to fill in your details.

For further details please contact us.

Also we have regular monthly group meetings at Royate Hill (Fishponds/Easton). Please contact Sarah van der Meer for further details or phone 0117 917 7270.

January - March Programme now online!

Download the WAG program (PDF)

Wednesdays

(Arrive 9.45am, Depart 10am)

February

3rd - Netcott's Meadow
Help to extend the meadow at Netcott's Meadow by pushing back encroaching brambles, and enabling the local farmer to cut more of the meadow in late summer with his tractor. Wellingtons needed.

10th - Stockwood Open Space
Scrub removal and opening up a pathway at this wildlife rich nature reserve.

17th - Folly Farm Changed to Lower Woods
Ditch and bank hedgerows are a common sight in North Somerset. Come join us in restoring those found at Folly Farm. Can be wet, bring wellingtons.

24th - Blake's Pools
A lot of work has been carried out by contractors to open up the Pools. Help us with the push at removing the invading scrub. Wellingtons advisable.

March

3rd - Weston Moor
Sapling trees such as birch and alder are growing up in the reedbeds. Help us to remove them so we can get cattle into graze the meadow and suppress the re-growth. Wet in places, bring wellingtons.

10th - Folly Farm
The last winter work day at Folly Farm removing scrub and brambles so we can lay the hedge and restore the hedgerows. Muddy, wellingtons useful.

17th - Burledge Hill
With access much improved due to the installation of the aggregate footpath, help us to open up the views & improve the habitat by removing scrub trees from the grassland.

24th - Stockwood Open Space
Final push at opening up the pathway and improving access at the Open Space.

31st - Dolebury Warren
The heathland area is an important habitat for insects. Help it to thrive by clearing some of the encroaching

Please note: The Trust can supply transport for up to 15 people per task.

Sunday

(Arrive 9.45am, Depart 10am)

January

31st - Folly Farm
Hedgelaying and scrub removal are today's task to complete the landscape project the Trust has been undertaking for the last 5 years.

February

7th Netcott's Meadow
The pond is being choked by brambles and access limited by brambles and scrub trees. Help us to open up this small yet flourishing reserve. Wellingtons necessary.

14th - Hellenge Hill
Brambles patches have begun to grow up in some of the wildflower rich areas across the site. Help us to control the scrub.

21st - Stockwood Open Space
A pathway has been engulfed by scrub. Help us to cut it back and open it up at this well loved urban fringe reserve.

28th - Folly Farm
Hedgerows are a great habitat for wildlife helping to link up woodlands and offering microhabitats for a number of species. Help us to restore ones at Folly Farm. Ground can be wet - Wellingtons sensible.

March

7th - Burledge Hill
Scrub clearance to improve the views and expand the areas of grassland for wildlife. Wellingtons are prudent.

14th - Blake's Pools
The Pools and hedgerows are a great habitat for birds. Help us to open up the pools by removing some of the encroaching scrub from the hedgerows. Wellingtons could be needed.

21st - Weston Moor
Removing sapling trees from the reedbeds is today's task at the oldest part of weston moor. Wellingtons advisable.

28th - Dolebury Warren -
Help us to restore the heathland by removing scrub trees and bramble,

Please Note: The Trust can supply transport for up to 15 people per task.