Practical conservation work is a great chance to get your message across, not least because some people love watching other people work. If you are doing a long-term project, put up a board on the site. For shorter projects, a simple sandwich board announcing that "Conservation work on this site is being done today by Friends of Yourplace" can be a boon. Take some leaflets about the group with you and if passers-by ask questions, do try to answer them. Don't let this interfere with work on the project. If someone is upset by what you are doing, take them aside and explain what you are doing and why. Maybe the group has not yet had a broad enough campaign to help you explain to people why you are doing what you are (though admittedly you may never convince everyone it's a good idea). At busy sites it may be worth asking someone to deal with queries. Plymouth Midweek Conservation Volunteers have transformed neglected Eggbuckland Vale near the city centre into an educational resource. They have built steps, improved paths, and built a network of ponds and wetlands, improving its educational value and accessibility. They are now working with local schools and a sculptor to create a sculpture trail in the area.
All content copyright © 1986-2008 BTCV Ltd. Registered charity No. 261009
|
