Think Green and join the Tameside Greenspace Volunteers

Date Released - 21/02/2024

RESIDENTS are being encouraged to Think Green and join the Greenspace volunteers by getting outside, learning new skills and improving local greenspaces.

The Tameside Council Greenspace Development team are calling for more residents to take part in the volunteering opportunities. One of these being practical conservation days, which help conserve the wildlife and traditional landscape of Tameside.

Practical conservation days are held throughout the year on various dates, from 10:30am until 3.30pm, at a range of different locations in the borough.

The next conservation day is on Tuesday 5 March, 10.30am – 3.30pm, at Ryecroft Hall, Audenshaw. The team will be working on tree management and weeding out flower beds.

They are free events, and are open to everyone over 11 years old (11 – 16 year old must be supervised by an adult). No experience is necessary and tools and equipment will be provided, along with instructions on how to use them.

Each year volunteers spend hundreds of hours undertaking a wide variety of tasks, which create safe and welcoming greenspaces for communities to enjoy.

Tasks could include hedge-laying, fencing repairs, gardening, pond clearance, litter-picking, tree planting, way-marking and much more.

Other opportunities to volunteer include footpath and bridleway clearance and improvement, local nature reserve management and habitat protection, and leading or assisting with the year round programme of events and activities.

The Tameside Greenspace Volunteer team also host coffee mornings for those who want to join in and be social with others, as well as, their being community groups across the borough.

Tameside Council Executive Member for Climate Emergency & Environmental Services, Cllr Denise Ward said: “With Spring around the corner it is a brilliant reason to get outside in the fresh air, socialise and join in the activities with our Greenspace volunteers, all whilst improving our local parks and countryside areas.

“I’d also like to thank all volunteers that have worked hard in maintaining and improving our greenspaces in the borough, as we greatly appreciate the time you have put into making these areas more enjoyable.”

Booking is essential, so to take part in the conservation days book on by calling 07923438594 or email greenspace@tameside.gov.uk

For more information, dates and times about Greenspace volunteering, click here.