Broads Authority Volunteer Action Days - Whitlingham Marsh
Fancy being a conservation volunteer for the day?
Location
Whitlingham Marsh
Off Kirby Road Kirby Bedon NR14 8TZ United KingdomGood to know
Highlights
- 6 hours, 30 minutes
- In person
About this event
A choice of five days from 6th to 10th of October: October's activity is scrub clearing at Whitlingham Marsh.
Whitlingham Marsh is a 42-hectare site which borders the River Yare as it makes its way out of Norwich. Its low-lying marshes and fens are typical of those found in the Yare valley, which support many species including the enigmatic Water Vole in and around the network of interconnecting ditches. One of the site’s main conservation aims is to prevent small bushes and trees taking over the open fen habitat, whilst keeping some for shelter and as singing perches for small reedbed specialists like Reed and Sedge Warblers.
During October's Volunteer Action Days, you will help us maintain the sensitive balance of this site. You’ll be using hand tools to cut and remove scrub (small trees and bushes), which will be burned on tin sheets to protect the ground and seedbed within the soil. Your work will let light in, encouraging the fen and more delicate plants to regrow and you’ll help to create glades and rides in the more established scrub, leaving a mosaic of habitats for fenland wildlife to thrive. All training, safety information and suitable protective footwear and gloves will be provided but you'll need to bring waterproofs, warm clothing, and food and drink for the day. Spaces are limited so book today to secure a place.
Frequently asked questions
No. We have a limited number of places due to the boat trip to get to the site and for health and safety reasons. We also need to organise tools and equipment for the right number of people in advance.
Yes. There will be a chemical toilet at the volunteering site.
No. You won't be near to shops, so you need to bring all food and drink for the day with you.
Yes. We will provide safety boots and gloves, but you will need to bring your own waterproofs and clothing you don't mind getting dirty. We will also provide all tools needed for the task, please do not bring your own.
No. We will provide all necessary training in the skills and activities you are carrying out.
If the weather or site conditions are very bad, we will either find an alternative site or, as a last resort, may have to cancel. If this happens we will let you know.
You need to be relatively fit to carry out this volunteering. The ground conditions could be quite bumpy and wet so you also need to be mobile enough to walk across uneven ground.