In order to keep everyone around you safe during the Coronavirus pandemic, we have taken the decision to suspend all our volunteering activities for the moment. TCV want and need you to be ready to help us promote recovery once the crisis is over. In the meantime, please follow the Government guidance and stay safe.

The new ‘Woodland Improvement Team’ is officially launching at Bugs Bottom where we will be doing some hedge/tree planting alongside some fun winter wildlife recording and tree related activities! This will be a light introduction to the regular Tuesday tasks and also involve a TCV stand, light refreshments and an opportunity to meet other interested volunteers and TCV staff! We look forward to seeing you there!

WHERE WILL THE REGULAR TUESDAY TASKS BE HELD?

The Woodland Improvement Team will be meeting every Tuesday at various sites across Caversham (Clayfield Copse), Tilehurst (Blundell’s Copse), Emmer Green (Bugs Bottom) and Woodley (Aldermoors & Highwood).

PROJECT AIMS:

The project aims to enhance Reading’s woodland sites for people and wildlife whilst connecting local communities with their local green spaces. The project will run for 3.5 years and involve various tasks such as:

• Tree planting
• Invasive species removal (rhododendron, laurel & snowberry)
• Bracken and bramble clearance
• Coppicing
• Sapling maintenance
• Ecological surveys (bats, reptiles, ground flora, butterflies etc)
• Site maintenance
• Other habitat improvements

WHAT IS PROVIDED?

• Refreshments (such as tea, coffee and biscuits)
• Tools and equipment
• Work gloves for everyone (although you may wish to bring your own)
• Trained leader(s)
• First aid cover
• Public and personal liability insurance
• Transport to the project site MAY be available from the TCV’s Reading Office (35-39 London Street)

NO PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
You don’t need any special skills to join in, other than a willingness to get involved and have a go. We don’t ask for a commitment from anyone for more than a day/half day at a time. We provide on-site, informal training and guidance.

WHAT TO BRING?
Please come prepared for the likely weather conditions on the day and wear suitable work clothes. We recommend sturdy boots and long sleeved tops and trousers. If you require them, bring along your own waterproofs, camera, money and personal medication.

WHERE HAS FUNDING COME FROM?
This event is being funded by Network Rail as part of the No Net Loss Biodiversity on the Great Western Programme – which seeks to compensate for any removal of habitat during railway upgrades. It is also supported by the Trust for Oxfordshire’s Environment (TOE) and made possible thanks to Reading and Wokingham Borough Councils.