If your New Year's resolution is to get more active or involved in your local community, The Royal Parks has the perfect solution for you. The Royal Parks is looking for volunteers to help conserve and enhance its 5,000 acres of parkland, which are much loved Sites of Metropolitan Importance for Nature Conservation.
As 2012 draws to a close and the New Year approaches, The Royal Parks has launched a number of new volunteering opportunities, ready for those 2013 resolutions.
Toni Assirati, Head of Education & Community Engagement, said:
"We are really excited to extend the range of volunteering roles on offer in London's Royal Parks and hope that the New Year will bring us new volunteers to join the existing teams who play a vital role in conserving and enhancing our much loved green spaces."
Wildlife Recording Volunteers
In Regent's and the other central London Royal Parks, we need volunteers with some pre-existing wildlife knowledge to identify species of plants, birds, fungi, lichens, insects and other invertebrates. This fascinating role helps The Royal Parks to monitor and manage habitats. Typical activities include regular walks around the park to count birds and butterflies.Volunteers also have the opportunity to share their knowledge at open-days and educational events. To apply, contact Nigel Reeve, Head of Ecology at nreeve@royalparks.gsi.gov.uk
Horticultural Volunteers - Isabella Plantation Access Project
The Isabella Plantation Access Project located in Richmond Park and funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Big Lottery,will make this iconic woodland garden accessible to more visitors and preserve the Isabella's collections of Hybrid Rhododendron (more than 120 varieties),Species Rhododendron (50 varieties), Camellias and Evergreen Azaleas and many other rare plants. Volunteers will carry out a range of gardening tasks with tools and training provided. To apply contact Hannah Pritchard, Partnership & Community Engagement Officer hpritchard@royalparks.gsi.gov.uk
A fantastic feature of The Royal Parks Volunteer Programme is the range of roles available covering wildlife,horticulture, biodiversity, and mobility access to some of the parks' most spectacular vistas.
Voluntary Assistant Operations Manager - Liberty Drives
Liberty Drives is a voluntary initiative offering electronic buggy trips in Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens for anyone who finds it difficult to explore these two captivating central London parks by foot. The Volunteer Assistant Operations Manager will take bookings,co-ordinate the driver rota and promote the scheme in the local media. To apply, contact info@hydeparkappeal.org
It's not all green fingers though - there is something for everyone in the exciting Royal Parks Volunteer Programme. The Royal Parks is also looking for more people to join existing groups of volunteers in a range of popular roles.
Guided Walk Volunteers - Isabella Plantation Access Project
The Royal Parks is looking for more volunteers to join its existing group of volunteers who develop and deliver seasonal guided walks to local community groups, introducing them to the Isabella Plantation. Full training is provided. To apply, contact Hannah Pritchard, Partnership & Community Engagement Officer hpritchard@royalparks.gsi.gov.uk
Volunteer Data Managers
For this computer-based role, The Royal Parks is looking for skilled volunteers to help compile and manage the biological records through which we monitor biodiversity in the parks. To apply, contact Nigel Reeve, Head of Ecology at nreeve@royalparks.gsi.gov.uk
Finally, The Royal Parks is also offering the opportunity to get involved in two Gardens: the Bushy Park Woodland Gardens and the Regent's Park Community Wildlife Garden, which was designed as a joint project between The Royal Parks and 'Wild in the Park' (RSPB). Learn about wildlife habitat management and help maintain the planting schemes in these hidden London gems. To apply, contact Assistant Park Manager, Mark Bridger on mbridger@royalparks.gsi.gov.uk for Regent's Park and Technical Officer, Chris Nickerson on cnickerson@royalparks.gsi.gov.uk for Bushy Park.
More detailed information about each of these volunteering opportunities can be found on The Royal Parks' website at www.royalparks.org.uk/volunteering.
About The Royal Parks: Almost 40 million Londoners and tourists visit the eight Royal Parks each year. The 5,000 acres of historic parkland provide unparalleled opportunities for enjoyment, exploration and healthy living in the heart of London. The Royal Parks played a key role in Great Britain's busy summer, hosting a number of Diamond Jubilee celebratory events as well as eleven London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic events.
The Royal Parks are: Bushy Park, The Green Park, Greenwich Park, Hyde Park,Kensington Gardens, The Regent's Park and Primrose Hill, Richmond Park and St James's Park. The Royal Parks also manages Victoria Tower Gardens, Brompton Cemetery, Grosvenor Square Gardens and the gardens of 10, 11 and 12 Downing Street.
For further information please visit: www.royalparks.org.uk/volunteering
For media enquiries contact:0300 061 2128 or press@royalparks.gsi.gov.uk
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