Restore the Thaw – Support volunteer, conservation work and biodiversity recording

Where: Activities are mainly based along the River Thaw which includes Porthkerry Park, Aberthaw Nature Reserve, Rhoose Point Nature Reserve, Hensol Woods and Amelia Trust Farm.

When: Wednesdays 10 am – 2 pm with additional one-off sessions on other weekdays available

This opportunity is provided by Innovate Trust, a Welsh charity which supports people with learning disabilities to lead fulfilled lives at home and in the community.

Restore the Thaw is an environmental conservation project which aims to boost the biodiversity of the River Thaw catchment area. Innovate Trust are working alongside the Vale of Glamorgan Countryside team to carry out environmental improvement work such as tree planting, building wildlife habitats, stabilising sand dunes and creating ponds. This exciting project is also aiming to boost existing otter and adder populations. The project will provide opportunities to carry out important nature surveying and recording tasks to better understand and monitor the flaura and fauna of the area.

We’re looking for volunteers who would like to work alongside people with learning disabilities, supporting them to carry out practical environmental conservation tasks and nature recording. The role is perfect for someone who’s interested in nature and wildlife and enjoys meeting new people and working outdoors.

The role:

• Ideally you will commit to attending weekly sessions.
• The Project Officer will set tasks for the session so it doesn’t matter if you don’t have any previous conservation volunteering experience.
• You’ll carry out environmental conservation work and/or nature recording alongside people with learning disabilities, supporting and encouraging them to achieve tasks.
• There will be additional, ad-hoc one-off sessions which you can choose to join if you wish.
• Comprehensive training will be provided and you’ll be well supported by Innovate Trust who will always have a staff member present.

Aims:

• To help people with learning disabilities to enjoy the benefits of volunteering.
• To help build the confidence and wellbeing of people with learning disabilities.
• To challenge the public’s expectations and assumptions about people with learning disabilities, particularly their ability to volunteer and make a valuable contribution to the community.
• To help boost biodiversity and protect the natural environment along the River Thaw.

Application process:

1. Complete SVC’s Volunteer Application Form

2. DBS check and suitable references required

3. Attend volunteer training with Innovate Trust

This project has been supported by the Biodiversity Fund of Dwr Cymru Welsh Water.