Keeping Bath Green

Bathscape Launches Conservation Volunteer Programme

By Katy Bishop

After a miserable winter, spring is finally on the way and mini eggs and 90p daffodils aren’t the only thing to be excited about this spring. Bathscape are to launch their new conservation programme and are looking for new volunteers to help dig, plant and sow the natural habitats located within the Bath area.

What is Bathscape?

Bathscape is the stunning natural landscape that surrounds the historic city of Bath. Consisting of luscious hills and fruitful meadows, the magnificent greenery contributed to Bath’s designation as a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Orginisation (UNESCO) site. The natural landscape spans up to 100 square kilometers, from Charmy Down in the north to Combe Hay in the South. The area is loved by both visitors and habitants of Bath city and is looked after and tended to, by the volunteers with the Bathscape team. 

The Bathscape Scheme

Launched in October of 2018, according to the Bathscape website, the scheme was created to ‘promote better management and use of Bathscape’. Bathscape volunteer coordinator Julia Kennaby, explained that the scheme’s aim and purpose is to “conserve, restore and promote” the natural habitats that are located in and around Bath. The  new conservation volunteer programme, will be part of the scheme and requires new volunteers to apply.

Julia Kennaby discussed that the scheme has a “range of volunteer opportunities, the most popular is the nature group, whom are out four times a month”. All projects are flexible with the time volunteers are able to commit and provide all training and tools. According to two year volunteer Andy, the scheme has “enabled” him  to “acquire new skills and to learn more about the environment. Additionally, it has been a great community action and I have been very happy to be involved!”

Two year volunteer Jackie also praised the scheme saying that; “ it’s a very welcoming and friendly team, we work in many different open spaces around Bath, some with stunning views! The jobs we tackle can vary according to the month and provides the opportunity to learn new skills”.

With no age limit or skills required, Bathscape need fellow green fingered people to join their new conservation team and with spring sprouting what better time to dust off your gardening gloves?

For more information on joining Bathscape, visit: https://www.bathscape.co.uk/