Gardening in a good cause
29/05/2007
Let’s face it, unless you are lucky enough to have a partner who is interested in gardening, tending your patch is a solitary affair.
But if, like me, you are a social animal and enjoy the company of others you have to fit one thing around the other. At least that’s what I thought until I hit on a way to combine gardening with my social bent.
Volunteer gardening.
There are many, many good causes up and down the country simply crying out for hands to restore and tend important gardens and landscapes. And did you know that there are even adult gap years available that involve environmental projects in some very far-flung and exotic places?
A quick search on the Internet turned up literally dozens in my area. As you would expect, the National Trust ranks quite highly in the search results and the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV) also run schemes up and down the country. But there were also smaller concerns that struggle to compete with the big boys.
In my neck of the woods, for instance, The Mendip Society is currently working on the Strawberry Line at Shute Shelf in North Somerset and needs volunteers to help maintain a wildflower meadow and to put in badger gates. The Glastonbury Conservation Society needs help with tree planting, during winter months and The National Trust at Tynesfield has special days where you can volunteer to help with a diverse range of activities such as hedge layering, pond clearance and bat surveys (evenings only!).
One project that caught my eye was Fyne Court, a National Trust property at Broomfield halfway between Bridgwater and Taunton. Driving there is part of the pleasure as you pass through some very pretty villages and stunning countryside. The Estate itself was bequeathed to the National Trust by John Adams in 1967 but it was five years before they finally took possession in 1972. In 1974 the National Trust for Nature Conservation took over the buildings around the main courtyard and commenced management of the gardens as a nature reserve and educational facility. The estate itself covers 24 acres of mainly woodland and offers a number of nature trails for differing levels of ability and fitness.
Fyne Court is currently looking for volunteers to help to restore the walled garden, which has been sadly neglected. Restoration of the walled garden is an ambitious project and although the National Trust are currently funding some work on the wall work in the garden itself relies solely on the work of volunteers to clear and replant. As funding is minimal the plants to be used in the garden will be grown on site from seed and cuttings, and from public donations.
It is hoped that the garden will become a haven for wildlife by the incorporation of habitats such as bat and bird nesting boxes. This work is in its infancy so if you fancy volunteering and being in on the ground as it were (no pun intended), or can help in the shop or with administration, contact Carolyn Jureidini – Volunteer Development Manager for the Wildlife Trust on 01823 652440.
I’ve mentioned projects here in the West Country but with a little research you’ll find a host of projects on your own doorstep. If you find yourself with time on your hands and enjoy or miss working with other people give volunteering a go. It is certainly rewarding and you could find yourself making new friends and acquiring new skills as well as making a contribution to the environment.
More information about volunteering for the National Trust can be found on on the link below or by phoning 0870 458 4000.
BTCV can be found at the second link below or call 01302 388 888.