Green volunteering
9 March 2007
It can feel as though we have very little influence over what other people, big companies and governments do with regard to green issues and that can be frustrating in the face of enormous challenges like global climate change, pollution and loss of wildlife. One of the best ways of turning this round into something positive is to get active through green volunteering. You can make a real difference plus pick up valuable work experience and training which will be useful both on the project and in later life. Volunteering is fun and fulfilling, you can make new friends and experience masses of new opportunities.
For people who love outdoor work and have an interest in wildlife, you could join a conservation team. There are a number of volunteer groups in Warwickshire who improve the natural environment, and access to it, by managing woodlands, planting trees, laying hedges and building footpaths and ponds.
Alternatively you could get involved in supporting the organic movement either by practically helping out on farms through WWOOF (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) or by taking up one of the varied opportunities with Garden Organic at
Ryton.
You may prefer to persuade others about green issues through letter writing, information stands etc. If this is more your scene, you may be a natural campaigner. Friends of the Earth and Greenpeace both support strong local networks of campaign groups.
At Action 21 we involve people in practical projects to promote greener living. Volunteers help to save useful items from landfill at the Recycle Warehouse, help with education events, lead walks, give talks on sustainability and lots more.
To look up the a huge range of volunteering available in your local area have a look on the Do It website: www.do-it.org.uk.
More and more people are choosing to take environmental matters into their own hands through volunteering. It’s inspiring to feel part of the growing and dynamic community that cares and is doing something so why not join them.
Further information:
Action 21: Gabi Gogan T: 01926 456076 gabi@action21.co.uk
Garden Organic (Ryton): Kate Needham on 024 76303517 or kneedham@hdra.org.uk
Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms: www.wwoof.org/wwoof_uk
Conservation:
Warwickshire Wildlife Trust: Ian Jelly 024 7630 8998 ian.jelley@wkwt.org.uk
BTCV: Lucy Hawker 430574 L.Hawker@btcv.org.uk
Campaigning:
Friends of the Earth West Midlands: Louise Hazan 0121 643 8017 www.foe.co.uk
Leamington Greenpeace: e-mail vik@taraandco.com