Since its launch in January 2002, Brighton Conservation Volunteers has established itself as an active, efficient and friendly countryside group committed to enhancing the local environment. This is mostly due to the enthusiam of the volunteers themselves as well as the dedication and strength of the BCV committee. Between 12-15 people turn up on a Tuesday and we have a 'core' group of about 25 volunteers.

We have carried out various tasks in and around Brighton and in many parts of East and West Sussex - in the process widening the skills of the volunteers and giving them a practical insight into conservation policies whilst having a darn good time. We have also sent many volunteers on various training courses to enhance their skills.

We fully expect the group to continue its success into the future and look forward to welcoming many new volunteers.

Please tell us if you think you have any skills that may be of use to the group. We are always looking for people who want to get more involved with the many tasks needed to keep the group running.

Some of the work we have done in the last year or so is listed below. Please note that we don't expect newcomers to have any of the skills required to do these tasks - all they need is enthusiasm and an enjoyment of the countryside together with a capacity to eat huge quantities of chocolate biscuits. In time you will find you have skills you never dreamed of !!

Scrub Clearance : An essential activity to safeguard threatened species but done selectively to avoid robbing insects, birds and animals of vital habitat. Scrub has been cut and burned by BCV at many sites including the English Nature reserve at Mount Caburn which has to be one of the most spectacular sites we work on.

Step Building : A satisfying, creative task with the aim of improving public access to green areas. The group has built hundreds of steps in many places around Brighton and have gained extensive experience in this skill.

Coppicing : We often carry out this traditional form of woodland management usually working in Stanmer Park Great Wood for Brighton and Hove Council Countryside Service.

Tree Planting : The group have planted many trees especially hazel in coppicing areas.

Charcoal Burning : Another task in Stanmer Park, making use of wood cut down for coppicing. This is a fascinating process and the group have recently done several 'burns' in the large kilns at Stanmer.

Fence Building : We have erected and repaired fences at several sites including the construction of Sussex Fences at Bentley Wildfowl Trust.

Aside from the above skills we also have experience in flint walling, hedgelaying, pond clearance and stile building.