The Conservation Snowdonia Project
CONSERVATION AND VOLUNTEERING
The Society runs a regular programme of conservation tasks throughout the year to help maintain the natural beauty of Snowdonia. Led by Mary-Kate Jones, the Conservation Snowdonia project manager and Jenny Whitmore, the Conservation Snowdonia project officer, groups meet all over the Park and carry out a variety of activities.
Workdays are organised both during the week and at weekends and range from just half a day to a weekend of work. We work in partnership with other organisations such as The Snowdonia National Park Authority, The Countryside Council for Wales, The National Trust, the Forestry Commission, and a host of others. If you want to gain experience or make a career of countryside management you will get to meet and work with countryside professionals.
Volunteering work is very varied and can involve upland footpath maintenance and construction, clearance of invasive species such as Rhododendron ponticum, Japanese Knotweed and Himalayan Balsam. We also clear fly tipping, litter and other eyesores in the Park. Maybe you want to do something creative instead? Well, there are opportunities for wildlife gardening in our substantial garden at Ty Hyll (find out more here), or you may fancy tree planting and habitat creation?
You do not need any previous experience as full training is given and volunteering is open to all. Many of our volunteers are already Society members. This however is optional, and is not a requirement for volunteering for us.
A reasonable level of fitness and ability is required for some of our tasks, as is a love of being outdoors (in all weathers!!)
The conservation Snowdonia Project is supported and sponsored by CAE a sustainable development fund, the Welsh Assembly Government, and the Countryside Council for Wales.
If you are interested in getting involved and making a difference, then please email mary-kate@snowdonia-society.org.uk
GROUPS
The Snowdonia Society also organises conservation workdays for groups of volunteers throughout the year, across the Snowdonia National Park and with a range of themes.
If you are an employer, trainer, group leader or part of a community group looking for something different, we can tailor a volunteer programme to your needs. We are currently working with NatWest Bank, North Wales Training, Branchlines, Coleg Menai, Llandrillo College and a number of community groups to deliver a new learning and team-building experience.
The Snowdonia Society can offer single or multiple workdays undertaking work from litter picking to gorse clearance, footpath maintenance to dry-stone walling. Each workday takes place in the Snowdonia National Park, often in partnership with other organisations, accessing a multitude of skilled professionals and stunning locations.
With over 20 years of experience in conducting volunteer workdays, the Snowdonia Society has the contacts and the safety record to deliver safe and effective volunteering opportunities that help to protect and enhance the natural environment for people and wildlife.
Contact Mary-Kate today to find out how we can assist in delivering an inspiring experience for your group: 01286 685498/ mary-kate@snowdonia-society.org.uk
How to contact us:
Email: mary-kate@snowdonia-society.org.uk or jenny@snowdonia-society.org.uk
Phone: Tel: 01286 685498
Postal details to:
Mary-Kate Jones, Conservation Snowdonia Project Officer
Cymdeithas Eryri - Snowdonia Society, Caban, Yr Hen Ysgol, Brynrefail, LL55 3NR
Our new volunteer leaflet is available to view here