Conservation Holidays and Free Training

Conservation holidays

In 2006 we invited BTCV, the leading practical conservation charity, to run conservation working holidays‘Natural Breaks’in Bowland. Hedgelaying and dry stone walling tasks have proved very popular and we intend to make these a permanent feature. Day volunteers are always welcome, you do not have to come and stay for the whole week! Here are details of all the tasks planned up to December 2008.

Day volunteers should call Martin Charlesworth on 01200 426433. If you want to stay with the group of volunteers for the week then please book online through BTCV website.

Brief details of the holidays are as follows:

Walling in the Forest of Bowland
Sat 30 Aug 2008 to Sat 6 Sep 2008

You will be helping to repair and re-build a relic Dry Stone Wall in Slaidburn Parish in the heart of this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Dry Stone Walls continue to be important landscape features of this area, as well as being of benefit to wildlife, and retaining livestock.

Your accommodation will be provided at Dale House Farm with great views of the surrounding countryside. This is a brand new camping barn conversion completed to the highest standards. The barn comprises of a large open plan ground floor area with a fully equipped modern kitchen, a large eating/communal area with wood burning stove to keep you nice and cosy, and a seperate area with 2 showers and 2 toilets. The sleeping area is on the first floor and is on 2 levels, there will be mattresses provided.

The pretty village of Slaidburn is close by and has a great pub should you wish to quench your thirst after a good days hedgelaying.

You will have the chance to explore this beautiful part of the world on your day off, and your Leaders will be able to provide you with more information when you arrive on your holiday.

Gisburn Forest Holiday Hedgelaying
Sat 1 Nov 2008 to Sat 8 Nov 2008

Gisburn Forest is located in the North East corner of Lancashire and lies within the Forest of Bowland Area of Outsatnding Natural Beauty (AONB). It is the largest forest in Lancashire. The forest is host to a diverse range of habitats and wildlife. The forest is still an important provider of timber and rural employment, but within this there are newly created native woodlands, hidden ancient woods, and farmland.

You will be learning the ancient craft of hedgelaying by helping to lay a length of Hedge close to Stocks reservoir which itself has a wild and unspoilt quality and is important for the diverse range of bird species it supports throughout the year.

Neglect remains a major threat to hedgerows. Laying a hedge rejuvinates it by encouraging new growth from the base, producing a feature which is valuable for wildlife, functional for farming, and enhances the surrounding landscape. You will have the expert guidance of a friendly and extremely knowledgable Hedgelaying Association Trainer.

Your accommodation will be at Dale House Farm situated on the outskirts of Gisburn Forest with great views of the surrounding countryside. This is a brand new camping barn conversion completed to the highest standards. The barn comprises of a large open plan ground floor area with a fully equipped modern kitchen, a large eating/communal area with wood burning stove to keep you nice and cosy, and a seperate area with 2 showers and 2 toilets. The sleeping area is on the first floor and is on 2 levels and can sleep 18 people, there will be mattresses provided.

The pretty village of Slaidburn is close by and has a great pub should you wish to quench your thirst after a good days hedgelaying. You can explore this beautiful part of the world on your day off, and your Leaders will be able to provide you with more information when you arrive on your holiday.

Hedgelaying in the Wyre Valley
Fri 14 Nov 2008 to Sun 16 Nov 2008

This holiday is located in the Wyre valley on the western edge of the Forest of Bowland. You will be helping to 'lay' a hedge, within a few miles of the historic city of Lancaster.

Neglect remains a major threat to hedgerows. Laying a hedge rejuvinates it by encouraging new growth from the base, producing a feature which is valuable for wildlife, functional for farming, and enhances the surrounding landscape. You will have the expert guidance of a friendly and extremely knowledgable Hedgelaying Association Trainer.

Your accommodation will be at Guy's Farm. This is a Girlguiding Activity Centre and we will have sole use of 'The Piggery' located at the centre. Despite it's unusual name this is comfortable and well equipped accommodation with 4 bedrooms comprising of 3 x 4 beds and 1 x 2 beds, with all bedding provided. There are 2 toilets and a shower and a fully equipped kitchen. There is also a large communal room for dining and recreation. The centre lies in 7 acres of open fields and wooded copses.

There are 2 pubs located within walking distance of your accommodation should you want to quench your thirst after a good days hedgelaying.

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