We continue to be a member of the Gloucestershire Biodiversity Partnership. Through recording and reporting survey results and habitat improvements, we make a measurable contribution to the Gloucestershire Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP). This, in turn contributes to the South West BAP and ultimately the UK BAP. As always, SVP works at a local level, and supports parishes in finding ways of contributing to the national plan. In early 2009, we were appointed lead partner for hedgerows within the Gloucestershire Partnership, in recognition of the work we have undertaken in the past on planting and restoring hedgerows. This position has been further underpinned by the funding awarded to SVP by DEFRA for work on hedgerow surveying. Again based in the Severn Vale, this survey work planned for the summer of 2009 will contribute to DEFRA’s national hedgerow survey project.
“No Newts is Bad Newts”
Through the Gloucestershire Biodiversity Partnership’s “No Newts is Bad Newts” project, SVP was contracted to establish the extent of Great Crested Newts in Eastington parish. Nine ponds were surveyed during June 2008 with the threatened newt being identified in two of the ponds surveyed. Having identified the existence of the newts, pond restoration works were carried out by SVP to allow in more light and create more open water thereby improving the habitat.
Severn Vale Biodiversity Project
Although this project was not directly funded during the year we have, through numerous donations from charitable trusts, been able to continue biodiversity work in the area through regular volunteer work days and maintain some momentum. Partnerships with farmers and landowners have continued and we have undertaken work on hedgerows and ponds, working towards our long-term goal of more and better wildlife corridors across the Severn Vale.
Managing Hawkwoods Beech Woodland
Hawkwood College approached SVP for assistance with managing their beech woodland, an important Cotswold escarpment habitat. Volunteers learned about managing woodland and techniques for felling smaller trees as well as creating habitats for insects and small mammals through stacking habitat wood piles.
Adult Education in Gloucestershire
We are now in our sixth year of working with Adult Education in Gloucestershire. For a number of years we have taken an integrated approach to this – offering courses in practical conservation to students at Ruskin Mill College and clients at Park House (day centre for people experiencing mental health difficulties). The work undertaken on these courses directly contributes to our biodiversity targets, meaning that we can offer exciting opportunities for these learners to make a real practical difference while learning in safe and supportive groups, and at their own pace. During this year, we have added similar courses for The Nelson Trust, a locally based charity which works with people with substance misuse problems. All three of these groups are given the time and support needed to help them learn new skills and take responsibility for their work. This leads to increased confidence and self-esteem, which in turn contributes to achieving individual personal, social and educational goals.
Supported Projects 2009
During this year, SVP has been pleased to offer help and support to a number of existing and emerging community groups and projects.
FLLN (Family Learning Literacy and Numeracy) courses have become a feature of our contract with Adult Education in Gloucestershire. Our Go Wild! courses are aimed at adults with basic skills needs and their families, and introduce literacy and numeracy through wildlife themes and activities. During 2008 we ran these courses extremely successfully at Cashes Green and Cam Everlands primary schools. We are delighted that seven adults from the Cam Everlands course gained the confidence to go on to attend literacy and numeracy courses in conjunction with Stroud College, leading to level 1 or 2 qualifications. As a new venue for these courses, Cashes Green attracted fewer families, but the courses were popular and enjoyed by those who took part which provides a good basis for rolling out future courses at the school.
Wild Resolutions Courses
Adult Education also supported a repeat of our “Wild Resolutions” courses as part of the Family Learning Festival for 2008. These courses of three sessions of two hours aim to explore ways of living in a more sustainable way, and provide families with ideas on what they can do themselves, even on a tight budget. Subjects included wildlife gardening, composting and recycling – and by the end of the courses participants showed positive changes in their attitudes and behaviour. This year the courses took place at Cashes Green Primary School and Parliament Children’s Centre and have offered a good means of recruitment for FLLN courses planned for the coming year.
Through the Gloucestershire Biodiversity Partnership’s “No Newts is Bad Newts” project, SVP was contracted to establish the extent of Great Crested Newts in Eastington parish. Nine ponds were surveyed during June 2008 with the threatened newt being identified in two of the ponds surveyed. Having identified the existence of the newts, pond restoration works were carried out by SVP to allow in more light and create more open water thereby improving the habitat.