Activities with Groundwork South
Groundwork South offer volunteering opportunities for conservation and gardening in local green spaces; environmental and nature-based creative workshops and activities; wellbeing and employability support; and one-to-one meetings to explore your ideas for the future.
Conservation, Wildlife and Wellbeing
A regular active session focusing on releasing and improving the conservation status of a small wooded area in Alexandra Park to make it a better habitat for native plants and local wildlife. The location is not accessible to the public and is sheltered, so it’s a safe space to meet a group of like-minded people, build up some energy and have a chat over a cup of tea. Upcoming activities include pruning, hedge-laying, digging out the marsh, small tree felling, rattle seed planting, undergrowth clearing, and eating biscuits. We make hot drinks using a Kelly Kettle so bring a mug!
Tuesdays, 11.00-14.00. Meet outside Shornden Meadow (top of Shornden Reservoir).
Gardening for Wellbeing at Bohemia Walled Garden
A calm session working on the Groundwork plot in a sheltered Victorian Garden with allotment, community, and permaculture plots, which host some amazing species! The site is quiet and surrounded by woodland so perfect for getting immersed in nature. Learn gardening techniques and contribute to building a fruitful and community-led plot. Upcoming activities: plant ID, positive weeding, planting seeds and plugs, building a mud kitchen. Thursdays 13.00-15.00 (meet at Summerfields Carpark).
For more information on Tuesday and Thursday sessions, contact Ash on 07957970205 or [email protected]. If you can’t get in touch with Ash on Thursdays, please contact Shelley on 07715631766.
Wednesday Wildlife Wellbeing Walks
Introducing monthly wildlife wellbeing walks led by Kevin. Kevin will introduce us to some of the birds at Filsham Reedbeds. The next walk will be held in April.
For more information contact [email protected], call/text 07736132771 or check out www.facebook.com/CombeValley.
Old Town Gardening
A gardening group will be working on the overgrown garden across from the Isabel Blackman Centre. The group will work together to clear, design and plant out a small wellbeing garden to be enjoyed by members of the IBC and the public. Weekly for six weeks. Monday 6 March through April, 13.30-15.30 (limited space – sign up required). We are also in need of plants, seedlings, seed donations and gardening tool loans just for the six weeks.
To get involved or help us out with some materials please email Ash at [email protected] or call/text Ash 07957970205.
Conservation and Visitor Centre Volunteering at The Bale House
Join us in Hastings Country Park Nature Reserve to help with a variety of practical conservation tasks that benefit local wildlife and the people who visit. No experience is necessary and there are a variety of tasks during each session to suit your fitness level. Refreshments and tools are provided. Fridays 10.30–13.00. Please contact [email protected] or 07849 095129 if you are interested in coming along.
We’re also looking for volunteers to help out in The Bale House visitors centre in Hastings Country Park Nature Reserve. No experience or knowledge necessary! We are particularly looking for people to volunteer on Sundays for two to three hours; additional volunteering slots to be filled throughout the week.
If you’re interested in joining our volunteer team, please contact Sue at [email protected] or 07736 132 451. Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/thebalehousenr
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