Practical Conservation Volunteer (Wet Willow Wildlife Project)

Join us to conduct practical habitat management for the Wet Willow Wildlife project in the Bolton area.

The project is working to improve wet willow habitats at a landscape scale, across Bolton, Salford, Wigan, Trafford and the Mersey Gateway. By strategically creating and improving habitat pockets, we are enhancing connectivity for wet willow species, allowing for greater movement and dispersal over a wide geographic area.

As a Practical Conservation Volunteer you will have the opportunity to carry out and contribute to a range of important habitat creation, restoration and management activities which might include:

• Invasive Non-Native Species (INNS) control, such as Himalayan Balsam, to allow native flora to thrive.
• Tree planting species to enhance the scrub layer or create connective habitat.
• Selective tree thinning. This includes the selective removal trees to regenerate an abundant scrub layer.
• Installation of leaky dams or creation of scrapes to increase soil moisture.
• Creation of standing and fallen deadwood during woodland management and attaching decaying logs to existing trees to provide deadwood features.
• Improving access to help people understand and appreciate the value of wet woodland habitats.

Work parties will take place across the Bolton area, including along the Croal-Irwell corridor and will take place on weekdays with some weekend opportunities. Timings are to be confirmed.

No previous experience is required, just a reasonable level of physical fitness and an eagerness to get stuck in, whatever the weather!

We will provide the tools, training and personal protective equipment for the tasks. We ask that you wear sturdy footwear and appropriate clothing for the weather and bring a packed lunch and water.