Fancy being a conservation volunteer for the day?
If you don’t have time for long-term volunteering, Volunteer Action Days are the perfect way to get a taste of what’s involved in carrying out practical conservation in the Broads National Park. November’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 November’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 volunteering 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.