Conservation Volunteer Group

Sedgemoor Conservation Volunteers carry out practical conservation work on local nature reserves. We are a mixed group of people of all ages and backgrounds. Please come along if you would like to join us.

Why Do We Do It?

Habitats are under threat from many sources - development, intensive agriculture, pollution, etc.. Nature reserves have been created therefore to provide havens for our endangered wildlife.

But This Is Not Enough! Frequently these areas, protected as they are, must be managed to maintain their diversity and value to wildlife. Shallow ponds and ditches must be cleaned periodically to prevent them becoming choked with fallen leaves and vegetation. Woody scrub and willow need to be coppiced or pollarded occasionally to extend their life.

Sedgemoor Conservation Volunteers exist to help with this type of necessary management work on Somerset’s nature reserves.

Where Do We Work?

Most tasks take place at reserves on the Somerset Levels, but occasionally we work in the Mendip and Polden Hills.

Who Do We Work For?

Mostly for the Somerset Wildlife Trust on their nationally important wetland reserves at Catcott Heath and Westhay Moor, but also other reserves not open to the public.

Other clients include Natural England at Shapwick Heath, Butterfly Conservation, Plantlife and some private charity trusts and reserves.

We try to include as much variety of habitat and location in our programme as possible, depending on seasonal demand.

What’s In It For Me?

• Meet new friends
• Have a day out in the beautiful Somerset countryside
• Learn new skills and more about our wildlife
• Discover areas of Sedgemoor you may never have seen before
• A chance to do something different and rewarding for the benefit of wildlife.