In these extraordinary times you will not be surprised to hear that, once again, we are unable to re-start our programme of Sunday conservation tasks. Not only do our partner agencies: Sussex Wildlife Trust, National Trust and Murray Downland Trust feel it is unsafe and unwise for group volunteering to take place on their reserves at this time, but the stricter rules of the current government lockdown forbid it.
So, until the situation improves, the vaccination succeeds and the infection rate decreases enough for us all to feel it is safe to work together again in suitably distanced small groups, we will be leaving the countryside alone.
This is disappointing news for us all, especially as we have a growing number of new members who are keen to get out there with us. Our programme organiser, Alan Walker, will be keeping in touch with the countryside trusts and, as soon as the situation has improved enough for some tasks to begin, we will inform you all, and information will be posted on our website. So watch this space!
In the meantime, I wish you all as Happy a New Year as possible under the circumstances!
Take care and keep safe,
Scott Robertson
Chair, Chichester Conservation Volunteers
A new page detailing our guidelines for tasks undertaken during the COVID-19 pandemic has now been added and can be seen at COVID Guidelines