BTCV Handbooks Online

Book:	Local Action
Chapter:	Effective partnerships
Section:	Working with environmental groups
Metadata:	Details	Buy this book

This is the obvious place for most groups to start. There are all sorts of environmental organisations out there, small, large, UK wide, countrywide, local, specialist and general. Like BTCV many of them can offer help to local practical projects if they fall within their remit. You need to find out who can offer what help in your area. A small selection of them are listed here, and you will find contact details at the back of this book. Some of the websites for the national organisations have excellent links to other wildlife, practical and campaigning specialists. Access to the internet is by far the easiest way to find out about the range of organisations that are out there and able to help you. If you don't have internet access at home then persuade one of your other group members to have a go, or go and use a computer in your local library. Start from one of these larger sites listed in the contacts section and just keep looking.

Government Agencies

The government agencies involved in many environmental activities are currently being reviewed, so this section may be out of date. However, this is a selection of the agencies that may offer grants or advice to conservation groups. It is likely some of them may be brought together under DEFRA(Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) in the future.

Countryside Agency advises the government on a range of rural issues and supports rural development issues through funding initiatives like Market Towns and Eat the View. It is also involved in long distance trails like the Pennine Way.

English Heritage deals with historic or listed buildings and sites that are of importance archaeologically. Some parks managed by community groups are listed.

English Nature EN (Scottish Natural Heritage - SNH - in Scotland and Countryside Council for Wales - CCW - in Wales) The government's advisor on all aspects of nature conservation from strategic policy and development plans, to local site-based issues of management and advice.

Environment Agency The regulatory body concerned with rivers and wetlands, offering advice on related topics such as pond creation and management. Offers advice on licences and consents for certain activities.

Forestry Commission manages areas of woodland and distributes grants for both tree planting and managing semi-natural ancient woodland for biodiversity. The woodlands or planting areas do not have to be large so it may be worth you enquiring about projects of over .5 Ha.

Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs)

This is just a tiny selection of the people who might help you. They have been chosen as a representation of those out there. There are a number of specialist organisations you can contact as mentioned above.

Butterfly Conservation focuses on butterfly and moth conservation. They have a national network of volunteer recorders who survey butterfly populations across the country.

Friends of the Earth - run local and national campaigns on issues like climate change, water quality and air pollution. They have local volunteers who make representations to local authorities on environmental aspects of development, transport and waste strategies.

FWAG - The Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group has officers in most counties. They are organised by local networks of farmers to advise farmers and landowners on environmental improvements they could make, and help them apply for grants. Many farmer members organise practical training courses and guided walks on their farms, and are usually very happy to show local environmental groups what they have achieved.

Groundwork Trusts operate in some parts of the UK. They usually work in partnership with local authorities to deliver a range of environmental improvements with local businesses and local people. Find out if you have one in your local area.

Local Environmental Organisations There may be local environmental trusts in your area. Check with your local volunteer networks to see if you can track them down.

Wildlife Trusts - They own or manage local sites for the benefit of habitats and species. They also campaign against development threats to wildlife sites. Some of them have staff who work with communities on locally based projects. They may be able to put you in touch with local volunteers who could help you find out what wildlife uses your site.

Woodland Trust - Owns and manages woodlands across the UK. They don't have many staff and do a lot of work through groups of local people who have helped to raise money to purchase and adopt local woodlands. They run a web-based community group network for groups who manage woodland(doesn't have to be Woodland trust owned woodland.

WWF-UK - WWF doesn't just work abroad managing wildlife, they do work in the UK on issues like '...footprinting', looking at the energy individuals or towns or cites use when importing goods and services. They have lots of knowledge about sustainable development issues.