People flock to Sudbury’s Common Lands to enjoy the wide-open green spaces and natural beauty, but there is a lot of hard work going on behind the scenes to keep this precious place in running order and looking as good as it does.
We have two rangers working full-time and a well-established group of volunteers carrying out all manner of maintenance work throughout the year. Our work parties typically meet several times a month throughout the year to carry out a range of outdoor tasks related to the upkeep of the Common Lands. This work includes assisting with coppicing and clearing pollard material, hedge laying, conservation grassland raking and clearance, fencing repairs, paths and margins maintenance and tree planting. Volunteers are also invited to a Christmas lunch to celebrate their efforts throughout the year.
Often people who get involved end up volunteering their time with us for many years. They enjoy being outdoors, keeping active and fit, as well as the camaraderie that inevitably develops within the team. There is also the opportunity to learn about practical conservation and the natural world in general.
As work parties take place during a weekday, this type of activity typically suits people who are flexible with their time, such as retirees or part-time workers. This opportunity might also appeal to conservation students who are looking for openings where they can pick up practical experience of working in the field.
We’re looking for participants who are over 18 and of reasonable physical fitness. Our work parties typically run from 9.30am to 3pm and volunteers bring their own packed lunch (although rustic refreshment brewing facilities are provided).
Our volunteers don’t just help to maintain Sudbury’s Common Lands, they also carry out valuable work along the Valley Trail footpath, Cornard Country Park and Shawlands Wood. The Sudbury Common Lands Charity has contracts to maintain these other areas from which we gain valuable income, so, as well as keeping our green spaces in good order, our volunteer groups also contribute to the long-term sustainability of the charity.
If this sounds like something you are interested in, we’d be delighted to hear from you. Please contact our Head Ranger, Nick Shimwell at n.shimwell.sclc@gmail.com
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