Practical Conservation Tasks
Volunteers help the Dedham Vale National Landscape staff team on conservation projects to increase the biodiversity within the National Landscape and wider project areas in the Stour Valley.
We hold regular conservation work days throughout the year. All you have to do is register as a volunteer and we will notify you when work days are happening so you can book your place on the task.
The volunteers regularly undertake practical conservation work. If you would like to work outdoors in the beautiful Dedham Vale, help your local environment and meet some new people, then why not join us!
We sometimes work on projects with community and corporate volunteers, so you may be working alongside such groups. Additional training is offered, for example in first aid, should you be interested.
You work for as long as you wish and at your own pace. Knowledge of landscape, heritage, wildlife and conservation is not needed, you can learn as you go along. All locations will have been risk-assessed beforehand and personal protective equipment is provided to ensure tasks are safe working environments.
Examples of jobs and tasks include:
- Habitat management and creation
- Biodiversity projects
- Tree and hedge planting
- Removing plastic tubes and guards from trees
These conservation initiatives are vital as they help the Dedham Vale National Landscape fulfil its commitment to the Colchester Declaration.
For more information on any of the volunteering opportunities and roles within the National Landscape, please contact Countryside Project Officer Emma Black or Nature Network Officer Alex Moore da Luz.
2024-25 Practical Conservation Volunteering Programme
Wednesday 17th July - Bracken Removal
Cut bracken back from newly planted trees for dormice to ensure they thrive.
Location: Tiger Hill, Assington
Task Leader: Emma Black
Wednesday 31st July - Wildflower Patches Cut & Rake
Help local wildlife group cut and rake wildflower areas in the parish.
Location: Steeple Bumpstead
Task Leader: Emma Black
Wednesday 14th August - Wet Meadow Management
Cutting the meadow and removing the cut material will encourage wildflowers such as the early marsh orchid at this County Wildlife Site.
Location: Rum Bridge Fisheries, Clare
Task Leader: Emma Black
Friday 16th August - tbc
Location: tbc
Task Leader: Alex Moore da Luz
Wednesday 21st August - Sedge Cutting
Cutting the meadow and removing the cut material will encourage wildflowers such as the early marsh orchid at this County Wildlife Site.
Location: Foxearth Meadows Local Nature Reserve
Task Leader: Emma Black
Wednesday 28th August - Grassland Management
An annual cut & rake at this medieval green will maintain populations of early marsh orchids and greater birds foot trefoil.
Location: Long Melford Green CWS
Task Leader: Emma Black
Friday 30th August - tbc
Location: tbc
Task Leader: Alex Moore da Luz
Wednesday 11th September AM - Meadow Management
A cut & rake at this Local Nature Reserve will ensure wildflowers such as greater knapweed, scabious and agrimony flourish next year.
Location: Harpers Hill, Nayland
Task Leader: Emma Black
Wednesday 11th September PM - Pond Clearance
Help remove overgrown plants from the pond at this lovely community site.
Location: Eden Rose Coppice, Sudbury
Task Leader: Emma Black
Friday 13th September - tbc
Location: tbc
Task Leader: Alex Moore da Luz
Wednesday 18th September - Green Lane Management
Cutting and removing the grass will help wildflowers like uncommon sulphur / strawberry clover thrive at this County Wildlife Site.
Location: Buntry Lane, Kedington
Task Leader: Emma Black
Wednesday 25th September - Meadow Management
A cut and rake of this community meadow site will ensure a wonderful display of wildflowers next year.
Location: Coes Meadow, Bulmer
Task Leader: Emma Black
Friday 27th September - Leaky Dam Building
Location: Tiger Hill, Assington
Task Leader: Alex Moore da Luz
Friday 11th October - Rhododendron / Snowberry Control
Location: Polstead
Task Leader: Alex Moore da Luz
Friday 25th October - Rhododendron Control
Location: East Bergholt
Task Leader: Alex Moore da Luz
Friday 8th November - Rhododendron Control
Location: East Bergholt
Task Leader: Alex Moore da Luz
Friday 22nd November - tbc
Location: Arger Fen
Task Leader: Alex Moore da Luz
Friday 6th December - tbc
Location: Arger Fen
Task Leader: Alex Moore da Luz
Friday 20th December - Hedge Planting & Aftercare
Location: tbc
Task Leader: Alex Moore da Luz
Friday 17th January - Hedge Planting & Aftercare
Location: tbc
Task Leader: Alex Moore da Luz
Friday 31st January - Hedge Planting & Aftercare
Location: tbc
Task Leader: Alex Moore da Luz
Friday 14th February - tbc
Location: tbc
Task Leader: Alex Moore da Luz
Friday 28th February - Giant Hogweed Control
Location: Shelley / Higham
Task Leader: Alex Moore da Luz
Friday 14th March - Giant Hogweed Control
Location: Shelley / Higham
Task Leader: Alex Moore da Luz
Friday 28th March - Giant Hogweed Control
Location: Shelley / Higham
Task Leader: Alex Moore da Luz
For more information on any of the volunteering opportunities and roles within the National Landscape, please contact Countryside Project Officer Emma Black or Nature Network Officer Alex Moore da Luz.