The Guernsey Conservation Volunteers are proud to help conserve Guernsey’s natural environment.
We have work parties at 10am every Wednesday morning and alternate Saturday mornings throughout the year. These work parties are an opportunity to go outdoors to do hands-on conservation work in Guernsey’s natural environment while visiting new places, learning new skills and making new friends.
Events
Work parties usually take place every Wednesday morning and alternate Saturday mornings throughout the year. Work parties start at 10am and usually finish around 12.30pm.
Social events also take place throughout the year and are listed here too.
If you would like a separate event for a corporate/school/youth/other group, please contact Angela (Operations Director).
About us
The Guernsey Conservation Volunteers have been helping to conserve Guernsey’s natural environment since 1996. We work on many beautiful sites and nature reserves around the island to maintain and enhance the biodiversity of the area. Most of our work is on land owned by La Societe Guernesiaise, the National Trust of Guernsey, Vale Commons Council and the States of Guernsey. The group also occasionally works on Lihou, Herm and Alderney.
Our work parties mostly reflect the seasons with tree care taking place during the winter months; removing Hemlock Water-dropwort during spring; hay raking during the summer and reed bed work during the autumn.
Removing Sour Fig is also a very important project for us because this invasive non-native plant has a negative impact on our native species. After completing our very successful project to remove this plant around Fort Pezeries; we are now working to remove Sour Fig on other sites around Guernsey. When Sour Fig is removed a range of native plants regrow; these plants provide food for a variety of insects. This increase in biodiversity is important to our island and the natural world.
Our aims, which support Guernsey’s Strategy for Nature, are as follows:
- To increase public awareness of Guernsey’s diminishing natural environment
- To provide a resource for the implementation of projects which create, enhance or protect sites of nature conservation importance
- To promote practical conservation through volunteers for the benefit of the community
- To educate volunteers in the principles and practice of conservation
- To have fun outdoors whilst learning new skills and meeting people
Get Involved
Work parties take place every Wednesday and alternate Saturday mornings at 10am. Anyone aged 16-60+ is welcome to come along. It is not necessary to have previous conservation experience as training will be given at the start of each work party. All tools and gloves are provided. It is a good idea to wear old clothes and bring along sturdy boots or wellies. There is always a break during the morning to enjoy a biscuit and a chat so it’s a good idea to bring along a drink.
Commitment is up to the individual. There are some people who come to most work parties and others who come along every few months. Whenever you come to a work party we appreciate your help and the part you play in conserving Guernsey’s natural environment.
As a charity with little income, we ask that volunteers pay a small annual subscription to help towards the running costs of the group. New volunteers can attend three work parties before we ask if you would like to join the group. This gives you the chance to try out a variety of activities in different places and meet other volunteers. On joining, you will receive a T-shirt and work gloves.
Corporate Groups – work parties can take place on any day of the week and can be tailormade to suit your requirements. Please contact the Operations Director to find out more.
Schools and Youth Groups – Education is an important part of our work. Angela, the Operations Director, has 25 years of teaching experience and can offer many teaching and learning activities. Please get in touch to discuss your requirements.
Contact
If you would like to join us at a work party please contact the Operations Director, Angela, before coming along. The Operations Director can give you the necessary details and directions for the work party as well as answering any questions you may have. Angela can be contacted at: