British Trust Conversation Volunteers (BTCV)
BTCV runs a variety of events, both regular and one-off, so there are plenty of opportunities to get involved. The aims of the Green Gym are to create and sustain environmental action in local communities.
Volunteers gain the chance to do conservation work, while at the same time getting physically fit and improving their well-being. No skills or previous experience is needed as training is given. There are also opportunties to develop leadership skills.
Down to Earth Environmental Education Centre and Community Farm
The aims of the organisation are to provide an environmental education service that will increase understanding of the environment and sustainable living amongst school children and the wider community, whatever their age, sex, ethnicity and physical/ mental capabilities. Voluntary opportunities range from animal care to maintenance work, and administration to working with school children.
Groundwork Solent
Groundwork Solent is part of a federation of Trusts in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, each working to improve the quality of the local environment, the lives of local people, and the success of local businesses.
Volunteers are needed for conservation tasks, for public open spaces, woodland and play areas, in and around Southampton. These are both one-off and regular events. There may also be educational type projects to get involved with as well.
Groundwork Solent's current project is Daisy Dip, and volunteers are needed to improve the site which is situated close to the University/Burgess Road. Jobs include planting shrubs, clearing brambles and maintaining paths, and hot drinks are provided. Upcoming volunteer days are 8th November and 6th December 2008 and 17th January, 7th February and 7th March 2009, all from 10am-3pm. Please get in touch if you'd like to help at any of these days.
Itchen Valley Country Park
Itchen Valley Country Park is located just north of the M27, and covers 440 acres of woodland and meadows. Volunteer Rangers are needed to carry out monthly weekend tasks. With their help and enthuiasm, Eastleigh Countryside Service manages and conserves 800 acres of countryside in total, including Itchen Valley.
Limited mid-week opportunities are also offered to students studying for a countryside/conservation qualification, so that they can gain work experience with the countryside ranger/officer team. Due to limited resources these opporunities are limited to one or two students at any time and are dealt with on a "first come first served" basis.
Manor Farm Country Park
Manor Farm Country Park incorporates Manor Farm, which protrays farming and life in Hampshire as it would have been prior to the 1950s, along with 400 acres of farm and woodland along the river Hamble.
The countryside rangers run conservation volunteer groups on Wednesdays and one Sunday a month if you are keen on getting some fresh air and a bit of exercise! There are also occasional opportunities to help out within the farm.
In addition you may be interested in joining Southampton University Conservation volunteers.