Derbyshire Conservation Volunteers (DCV) is a local group which undertakes practical outdoor tasks to conserve and enhance the wildlife potential of rural and urban sites mainly in Derbyshire. DCV is affiliated to the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV) which is a registered charity. By involving volunteers in projects, DCV hopes to increase general awareness of the need for nature conservation. The group is run by a committee of volunteers, headed up by the delightfully friendly and helpful Sue and Chris Weston. 

What Do Conservation Volunteers Do?

The work undertaken is extremely varied and includes hedge laying, dry stone walling, woodland management, pond digging, fencing, tree planting, footpath maintenance as well as good old fashioned slash and burning! Tasks are generally done on alternate Sundays, but some weekend tasks are also arranged with an overnight stay in informal accommodation, although you don't have to go on both days. 

Who Can Be A Conservation Volunteer?

If you are enthusiastic and willing to help, you have everything you need! There is absolutely no age or ability barrier.

What Is A Task?

Basically, a task is just the work we do on any particular day. One day tasks normally start about 10am and last until 4pm depending on weather and the time of year, with lunch and plenty of breaks.

Do I Need The Strength To Lift Enormous Boulders Above My Head And Uproot Trees With My Bare Hands?

Whilst some DCV members might claim to be able to, sheer brute strength is really not required. The work is physical but individual members work at their own pace and contribute in different ways.

What If I Have Never Done Conservation Work Before?

You're in good company. Most of our volunteers begin with no experience of the practical work and pick things up as they go along from the more experienced members of the group. The Task Leader will explain the project and show you how to use any tools involved. And if you wish to learn particular skills there are always more formal training courses available through the BTCV.

What About Transport To The Work Site?

Volunteers use their own cars and DCV will refund petrol expenses for cars carrying two or more volunteers. If you don't have transport then alternative transport can be arranged.

Is It All Work And No Play?

No way! There is a particularly active social life attached to the group including pubs, bowling, cinemas, parties, BBQs, roller-skating and walks - see our extensive social programme for details.

What Will I Need To Bring?

You will need to bring - sturdy/walking boots/wellies, warm clothes, waterproofs and hat. Also bring a hot drink, enough food to keep you going through the day.

Check out the programme for details of what we'll be doing in the next few months, but here's a quick tour around regular tasks with a bit of info on what they involve. Nearly every task involves making use of traditional techniques for looking after the countryside.

Slash And Burn (Woodland Management)

Great for getting rid of any pent-up frustration, woodland management often involves slashing your way through everything in sight, sometimes just slashing at particular types of tree and shrub, such as rhododendron, ash or elder, to clear the way for wildlife and/or other species to flourish. The burning part usually involves a fire - smell that wood burning in the open and you know you're alive! Sometimes there's even a baked potato or two lurking under the fire...

Hedgelaying

What do you get if you cross a few DCV volunteers with a line or two of trees? Well, lots of things. Cut the trees in a selective manner and by laying or interweaving them you can create a stockproof barrier, a wildlife habitat and a good fire! It looks difficult, but senior hedgelayers are always on hand and it is really easy to learn. Plus you burn up absolutely loads of calories, making it absolutely obligatory to stop frequently for chocolate.

Tree Planting

DCV's 21^st anniversary task involved planting 21 beech trees in an avenue in Shipley Park. Make the hole, put the tree in, tie it to a support and keep coming back every 50 years to remind yourself how much oxygen you've put into the atmosphere.

Pond Work

Got a bit of a rubber fetish? Get into pond life where waders and galoshes meet up with rakes and forks to clear the way for those water-loving creatures. It's physically hard work but the reward is always there at the close of the day seeing the results of your labours in a nice clean pond (even if you're a little mucky, duckie!)

Fencing

When trees aren't on hand to be laid into a handy hedge, fencing is a useful alternative. Fences can be anything from 100% wood to various wood and wire combinations, depending on what's required. Recent fence locations include Tittesworth Reservoir, Riddings Park Farm, the Peak Park and Shipley Park. It's nice when you go on a walk round the countryside to be able to point at a bit of sturdy fencing and say, " Hey, I did that."

Footpaths And Steps

Another task that requires a combination of brains and body (you don't necessarily have to have both)! Most DCV tasks involve destruction of some kind, so it's always a nice change to construct a fine set of steps which will keep walkers happy for years. Clearing a footpath helps promote birds, bees and butterflies and makes the beautiful countryside available to everyone!