Embedded Files
Weekly volunteering days across Luton's wilder natural places led by the Parks and Countryside Services.
Weekly volunteering days across Luton's wilder natural places led by the Parks and Countryside Services.
Summary
Summary
Get stuck in and active in Luton's wildlife sites and play an important part in the way Luton manages its natural habitats. Every Monday, people join the conservation volunteers to keep physically active, enjoy nature and for a sense of satisfaction to help with nature recovery and habitat conservation. The sites we work on change each week and so you'll get to know a new natural habitat pretty much every week.
At the task, expect to get stuck in with:
scrub-clearance, cutting back brambles, blackthorn and more
removing invasive species
orchard maintenance
occasional tree-planting
All tools provided
Sowing yellow rattle to improve the meadow
Getting here
Getting here
The Luton Council nature conservation volunteers meet at different locations each week, including:
Bradger’s Hill
Cowridge End
Cowslip Meadow
Dallow Downs
Fallowfield
Foxdell Recreation Ground
Kidney Wood
Leagrave Park/ Waulud’s Bank
Lewsey Park
Limbury Meads
Mixes Hill (behind Stopsley High School)
People’s Park
River Lea corridor
Stockingstone Meadow/ Riverside Walk
Stony Hill (Birdsfoot Lane)
The Chase (near the new junction in Round Green/ Stopsley)
Warden & Galley Hill
Wigmore Park
Once signed up, you will receive instructions to the locations with advice on parking and facilities.
Removing Himalayan Balsam invasive plants
Video showing Luton Council conservation volunteers and Wardown Park gardeners at work
Scything on Stockingstone Meadow near the River Lea
Opening times
Opening times
Mondays from 10am to 3pm.
Costs
Costs
Activities are free.
That includes:
Hot drinks and biscuits
all tools and basic training on how to use them
personal protective equipment including gloves, helmets and eye protection
Who can join activities here?
Who can join activities here?
Anyone over the age of 18 can become a Luton Council conservation volunteer.
People come from many different communities in Luton, and are a mix of men and women.
Usually around 5 to 12 people volunteer over the course of the day.
When you sign up, we ask you to declare unspent convictions. If there are any, we will ask for references and decide on a case-by-case basis.
Facilities
Facilities
Some locations are near pubs or supermarkets with toilet facilities, but generally, there are no toilets nearby. You will get details before each activity.
We have a Kelly Kettle to make hot drinks and biscuits are always provided, We take regular tea breaks and break around 1.15pm for lunch.
Accessibility
Accessibility
Many of the sites are on steep slopes, uneven terrain and off the beaten track.
To volunteer, you need to be able to work independently or bring your own support worker or carer.
How to sign up
How to sign up
Volunteers must be aged 18 or over and sign up before you attendingr.
Apply online using the online application form.
Alternatively, email parksvolunteers@luton.gov.uk.
Once you're signed up, we'll add you to our volunteer email list and keep you informed of upcoming activities.
About the staff
About the staff
The activity is led by one member of Luton Council Parks and Countryside Service staff who are a trained First Aider, DBS checked and trained in safeguarding.
Good to know
Good to know
It's hard work and we do have to get things done, so join us if you're up for the challenge (you may be rewarded with a deep sense of satisfaction!).
Bring lunch - it's hungry work!
Wear clothes that you don't mind getting dirty, smoky or ripped.
Some people bring a little fold-up chair to rest during the breaks.
Good waterproof footwear is really important - trainers will usually get soaked!
Enjoying a tea brake at Chaul End Lane
“It keeps me active... and at the end of the day you can see what you've done. It's a tremendously satisfying job.”
More about Luton Council's Parks and Countryside Service
More about Luton Council's Parks and Countryside Service
Luton Council's Parks and Countryside Service looks after Luton's public parks and natural spaces. It offers volunteering opportunities to help make our parks and green spaces more accessible, enjoyable and biodiverse.
Participants can gain new skills and experiences with the the Conservation Volunteers and the Wardown Park volunteer gardeners.
Partner role: provider of nature-based activities
Still have a question about this activity?
Still have a question about this activity?
For general questions about this activity, contact the Luton Health and Nature Partnership.
Alternatively, contact the Luton Council conservation volunteers directly: parksvolunteers@luton.gov.uk.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse