Just how many Volunteers are there in CCV ? |
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| It's over thirty years since Cardiff Conservation Volunteers (CCV) started its work maintaining the local countryside, using traditional skills. Since 1978, the need for conservation work has become even more pressing and urgent. The group has grown accordingly. We now have around 100 volunteers from all walks of life. | |||
What kind of tasks do the Volunteers perform ? |
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| Just about everything. There is wide variety in conservation work - which helps to keep us all interested. There are tasks to suit all tastes. Here is a selection of the more typical tasks we are involved with: | |||
Traditional hedge-laying |
Footpath work |
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Modern & Traditional Fencing |
Dry stone walling |
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Pond and Canal Work |
Scrub and Bramble clearance |
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Coppicing / Woodland Management |
Step Building |
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For more specific information about these individual topics click here |
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Where and when do you perform your tasks? |
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| Sunday is our usual task-day, although we also have long weekends about four times a year. Most of our sites are within half an hour of Cardiff, but this can mean anywhere from an organic farm near Bridgend to the Taff Cycle Trail above Pontypridd. We have a number of clients, like the Glamorgan Wild Life Trust, and also local Councils, who will ask us to carry out specific projects for them. So you get to see a lot of countryside in Cardiff, the Vale and the Valleys. Our Mini Bus picks up from the Central Museum at 9.00 am. We are usually back at around 5.00 pm. | |||
What would I get from joining? |
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| Every volunteer seems to get something different from the effort they put in, but the main benefits would be: | |||
| making a noticeable contribution to improving the local environment | keeping fit while you explore the local countryside |
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| the opportunity to socialise with other people who care about the environment | learning practical skills, which could even help you find paid work |
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** But above all, having fun doing it! ** |
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Are there other meetings besides the Weekend tasks ? |
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| We have meetings every month to administer the group. There is also a regular Tool Maintenance session. We also occasionally organise events like canoeing or playing skittles. The volunteers are an open and sociable group, so you can be assured of a warm welcome, and any friendly advice you need. | |||
| We also sometimes participate in environmental open days or craft fairs. So you may see our stall at events like the Forest Farm Summer Fair. | |||
What about Training? |
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| On-the job training will always be given. If you can't make the Sunday task, there's an opportunity to learn how to use the tools - and help keep them fit for service - at the Tool Maintenance session. | |||
What are the membership costs ? |
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| The membership fee for new active members is £6 for two years or alternatively £15 for support membership. | |||
How do I get involved? |
| In the first instance, it is important that you get in touch with our Membership Secretary - Carys. She can supply more details about what we do. If you're sure you're ready to put the wellies on and get out there conserving, he'll tell you where to meet us, and what to bring. For Carys's contact details in full, press the "Join us on a task" button. |
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| What do I need to bring on a task? |
| Normally, this information will be given to you when you make contact with the Volunteers and are given our events programme. Typically, for a "Sunday" task you will need: | |
A packed lunch |
Waterproofs |
Suitable clothing. (It can get hot, cold and wet in the same day!) |
Strong footwear |
| In addition, for a weekend task, you may need | |
Suitable clothing (as per the Sunday task) |
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A change of clothes (There is usually a "social event" of some kind in the evening) |
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A sleeping bag |
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Essential toiletries |
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Tea or coffee, biscuits and "sparkling wit" are complimentary! ;-) |
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