FAQ

Who are we?

The Oxford Conservation Volunteers is a voluntary organisation which has been carrying out practical work conserving the wildlife and traditional landscape of the Oxford area since 1977. The group organises work parties every weekend and undertakes a wide variety of nature conservation work. This can range from the traditional craft of hedge laying to the thoroughly 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, 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 Sunday's 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 how to use the tools safely.

We are always interested in taking on new projects. Maybe the OCV could work for you?

What kind of tasks do you carry out?

We do a wide variety of practice conservation work including hedge laying, scrub management, step building and fencing.

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 have a minibus which we take to the site each week. If you're going straight to the site it's normally a good idea to contact someone from the OCV first in case the task has changed.

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,
• A packed lunch (We provide tea and coffee).

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 or will training be given?

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 social program on the website 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 voluneers?

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, working volunteers get priority.

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 who sit on the committee and take turns leading and driving tasks. If you would like to help then please come to a Tuesday meeting.

What happens on the committee?

Recent OCV annual reports are available 2003/4, 2005/6, 2006/7, 2007/8. 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 from bodies like the city council and donations from other charitable organistions. We also get funding from the organisations we work for to cover our costs.

What next?

It is a good idea to subscribe to the mailing list. We send out an email each week saying what the task that Sunday is and details of socials on Tuesday. To subscribe go to the Mailing List page. If you want to speak to someone about Oxford Conservation Volunteers then you can ring Gary on 07706 343333.