Volunteering at Billy’s Lake
Nearly all of the improvements and general upkeep at Billy’s Lake are performed by a team of volunteers from the local community, led by the Acorn Centre’s Community Conservation Officer.
The Volunteer Working Party
MONDAYS 10AM – 12PM
Refreshments are provided.
The tasks we perform are generally aimed at improving the site, improving access within and around the site, maintaining a safe environment, and conserving the local wildlife. Examples include:
- Brash, bramble and weed clearance
- Tree works (e.g coppicing and crown raising)
- Path maintenance
- General groundworks & DIY
- Litter picking
- Installing and repairing bird and bat boxes
Once a week our group of community conservation volunteers gather at Billy’s Lake for 2-3 hours, coming together to not only carry out the week-to-week maintenance and projects, but just to be a part of something bigger than themselves. A chance to offload, feel supported and improve their mental health and wellbeing.
Some of the feedback we’ve received from the volunteers:
This group has had a really positive impact on me. I love our sessions, such a great way to start the week. It’s great being part of such a lovely team and feeling that we’re making a difference to people’s enjoyment of the area.
As someone who experiences anxiety in social situations, the inclusion within the friendly group has been particularly beneficial. This was so helpful to me during lockdown. I feel a sense of wellbeing from benefiting the community and local area. Being outdoors is valuable.
Benefits my mental health, physical health and social well being.
It’s been so great to be welcomed onto the team, it’s really helping improve my mental health and to switch off from other problems.
Interested?
Do you use the Billy’s Lake area, perhaps for walks, dog walking, or fishing?
Are you interested in conservation and wildlife?
Do you have any views or opinions on how best to improve or conserve the site?
Can you offer any relevant skills or knowledge?
Or would you just like to join in and lend a hand?
If so, why not join the Volunteer Working Party? No commitment required, just come along and give it a try – we’re a friendly bunch and it’s always good to see some new faces!
Who Can Join?
We welcome people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. Ideally you’ll be:
- Over 18 years old
- Reasonably fit
- Able to use simple hand tools (e.g a hammer, saw etc) and
- Practically minded
but if not, don’t worry! If you’re keen to get involved, just contact the Community Conservation Officer by phone (023 92258423) or email (lillian.wakely@acorncentre.org.uk) for an informal discussion to see whether you can still take part, either in the Working Party or one of our other volunteering roles.
We advise all volunteers to dress appropriately for the weather conditions in old clothes or workwear, and to wear sturdy footwear (preferably steel toe caps if you have them). We can provide gardening gloves and certain other items of Personal Protective Equipment where necessary.
How to Join
In the first instance, you’re welcome to just turn up on a Monday morning to meet up with the team and find out what we’re up to that day! We’re there most Mondays, except in very inclement weather.
If you’d like to join us, you’ll need to complete a few forms prior to starting your role a as a volunteer. These are available at right to download, print and fill in. Or, you can collect them from the Team Leader on the day.
If you are interested in helping out, or you would like more information on Billy’s Lake, please contact the conservation officer, Lillian Wakely tel. 02392-258423.
For the Off the Hook fishing club, please contact Roger Pulley