Chichester Conservation Volunteers - who we are

CHICHESTER CONSERVATION VOLUNTEERS (CCV) carry out practical countryside conservation on most Sundays throughout the year and always welcome new volunteers.  We meet to enjoy a day out in the Sussex countryside, learn new skills and carry out vitally important conservation work.

CCV was formed in February 1983 and is a member of the TCV Community Network. This is a national organisation and registered charity that exists to promote practical conservation work by volunteers and TCV assists us with insurance.

What we do

See our Worksites page for details of our activities.  We like variety so our projects include coppicing, hedge laying, tree planting, scrub clearance, step building, pond clearance, bracken control and lots more within a 15-mile radius of Chichester.  Assisting farmers, landowners, wildlife trusts and Chichester Harbour Conservancy we work on the chalk downland, heathland areas, in woodlands and around Chichester Harbour. We get to see some little-known areas of unspoilt Sussex and learn lots about the ecology of the sites from the countryside rangers we work with.  We also have walks and social events, many long-standing friendships have been made in the group plus a few romances.

How do I join?

We plan our events four months at a time – see our CURRENT PROGRAMME which gives all the details – just contact the task leader listed for the day you wish to come who can give you further information or arrange a lift. There is no subscription for active members.

Task information

Transport to tasks is by sharing cars from Chichester Railway Station and you must phone the task leader in advance, no later than Saturday, to be sure of a lift. It is helpful if drivers can offer to assist with transportation by contacting the task leader in advance and then car sharing can be arranged. Don’t forget to wear old clothes and boots and bring a packed lunch and a drink. No experience is necessary, tools are provided and instruction given in their use. Please check that your tetanus cover is up to date.

For further details about tasks phone the task organiser listed or the secretary Maria Wildman on 01243 262833.

Well supervised children are welcome if the task is appropriate, our insurance requires restrictions on tool use according to age and under 16’s must be accompanied.  All volunteers should be familiar with the CCV health and safety policy, which is available from the task organiser. If a risk assessment finds that volunteers should wear protective gear for their own safety then they must wear this whilst carrying out the task. Volunteers must ensure that they are fit for the task and the task organiser has the right not to accept a volunteer.

Task programmes are circulated quarterly to those on our mailing list and social events organised. Volunteers names and addresses are stored in a database for the mailing of programmes only.

We are always interested in discussing new work projects if you have a site in mind.

Please come and join us on a task whenever you can.

Committee

Scott Robertson – Chair / Membership  scottrob293@hotmail.co.uk
Maria Wildman – Secretary  wildthings2@waitrose.com
Richard Wilson – Treasurer
Alan Walker – Programme Organiser
Daniel Lambert – Programme Editor/Webmaster
Peter Etheridge – Tool Maintenance
Claire Wilton – Membership Secretary wiltonclaire@yahoo.co.uk

Latest news

Our Work Sites

A glorious day on Heyshott Down