FAQ

Who are we?

The Oxford Conservation Volunteers is a voluntary organisation that has been carrying out practical work conserving the wildlife and traditional landscape of Oxfordshire since 1977. The group organises work parties every weekend and undertakes a wide variety of conservation work. This can range from the traditional craft of hedgelaying to the modern practice of fence building; from creating new hedges by tree planting to conserving chalk grassland habitats by scrub clearance.

These tasks are undertaken for a number of clients such as the Oxford Preservation Trust, Natural England, local authorities, English Nature, the Woodland Trust and other organisations concerned with preserving the environment. We are one of about a thousand local nature conservation groups affiliated to the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV)

Each task is led by an experienced volunteer, who is responsible for liaising with the client and ensuring that the work is completed to the required standard. The task leader also ensures that new volunteers understand the purpose of the work and have been shown how to use the tools safely. Note that we advise that anyone coming to an OCV task has an up to date tetanus vaccination, just in case!

We are always interested in taking on new projects. Maybe the OCV could work for you? See the Projects page to see what sort of work we do, or contact to discuss your individual requirements.

What kind of tasks do you carry out?

We do a wide variety of practical conservation work including hedgelaying, scrub management, step and revetment construction, woodland management, fencing, wetland management, stone-pitched culvert and ditch construction, pond maintenance, raised walkway construction, and dry-stone walling. See the Projects page for a more complete list and additional information.

Do I need to be a member to go on a task?

There is no requirement to become a member to come on OCV tasks. Anyone is welcome to come along. That said, joining OCV for a small £5 a year does provide a range of added benefits. See this link for information about these benefits, or how to join. You can also contact our membership secretary at .

Do I need to let anyone know in advance that I want to go on task?

No, just turn up at one of the pick-up points (opposite Tesco on Cowley Road at 9:20am or from outside The Lamb and Flag on St. Giles at 9:30am). We take a minibus of volunteers to the site each week. Although changes in the planned work are very rare, if you're going straight to the site it's normally a good idea to contact someone from OCV first just in case. If you sign up to our mailing list you will receive more detailed information about each conservation project in our weekly email.

What should I bring with me?

• Tough old clothes,
• Stout boots or Wellingtons (trainers are okay on dry grassland but can be very unpleasant on wet sites),
• Waterproofs,
• Sun-tan lotion,
• A packed lunch (We provide tea, coffee and biscuits).

What time do you finish?

We normally aim to be back in Oxford for 5.30pm but it depends on the task, what the weather is like, and the time of year.

Do I need any experience?

No experience is needed as the task leader will demonstrate the safe use of any tools involved and also explain the significance of the work being carried out.

How hard is the work and how much will I be expected to do?

We have tasks for all abilities. Volunteers will be free to work at their own pace, according to their own fitness and strength.

Does the group meet for any social activities?

We have business meetings on the first Tuesday of every month, and frequent social meetings. Check out the events page for more details.

What is the average age of volunteers?

We have regular volunteers 18-69, but most are between 20 and 35.

What is the minimum age for volunteers?

Under-16s must be accompanied by a responsible adult, who signs the parental consent form and undertakes to watch out for their child's safety themselves. 16s and over can come unaccompanied.

Can I bring my dog?

Possibly. You should check with the leader during the week before the task. If the site is suitable, and your dog is well behaved, then the leader may permit it. If you've not been to the site before and/or have not met the leader before you may be asked to come on your own first. Dogs aren't permitted in the minibus, so you'll have to make your own way, and be willing to take your dog away if any volunteers are dog-phobic.

Do I have to come out every week?

No, it's entirely up to you how often you do work with us. Some volunteers only come out once a year, others nearly every week. All contributions are welcome.

How is the group organised?

The group is run by volunteers on the committee and volunteers who take turns leading and driving for tasks. If you would like to help then please come to a Tuesday meeting, or talk to the leader on a task.

What happens on the committee?

Recent OCV annual reports are available 2003/4, 2005/6, 2006/7, 2007/8, 2008/9. The most recent has details of what the group did last year. The constitution explains how the group is structured. We are a registered charity.

How is the group funded?

The group gets grants and donations from charitable organisations. We also get funding from the organisations we work for to cover our costs. See the partners page for more information.

What next?

It is a good idea to subscribe to the mailing list. We send out an email each week describing the conservation project about the task that Sunday (and occasionally Saturdays also) and details of the once-monthly socials. To subscribe go to the Mailing List page. You can also look at the events page to see more about the upcoming events. If you want to speak to someone about Oxford Conservation Volunteers then you can ring Chris on 07939 723427.