About Brighton Conservation Volunteers

Since its launch in 2002, Brighton Conservation Volunteers has established a reputation as an active, friendly and effective countryside group committed to enhancing the local environment. This is mostly due to the dedication of the volunteers, about eight to ten of whom turn out every Tuesday.

We have carried out various tasks in and around Brighton and further afield in East and West Sussex - in the process widening the skills of the volunteers, giving them a practical insight into nature conservation policies and - perhaps most important of all - taking them to parts of Sussex they might not otherwise visit. We occasionally send volunteers on training courses

We fully expect the group to continue its success into the future and look forward to welcoming many new volunteers.

The work we have done includes scrub clearing, step building, installing gates and footbridges, coppicing, tree planting, fence building, pond clearing and various related tasks. Anyone who volunteers with us is not expected to have any of the skills required to do these jobs - all they need is enthusiasm and an enjoyment of the countryside.

Scrub Clearance : An essential activity to safeguard threatened species but done selectively to avoid robbing insects, birds and animals of vital habitat. Scrub has been cut and burned by BCV at many sites including the Natural England reserves at Mount Caburn and Castle Hill, Woodingdean.

Step Building : A satisfying, creative task with the aim of improving public access to green areas. The group has built hundreds of steps in many places around Brighton and have gained extensive experience in this skill.

Coppicing : We often carry out this traditional form of woodland management usually working in Stanmer Park Great Wood for Brighton and Hove Council Countryside Service.

Tree Planting : The group have planted many trees especially hazel in coppicing areas.

Fence Building : We have erected and repaired fences at several sites including the construction of Sussex post and rail fences at Bentley Wildfowl Trust, Barcombe Mills and Bevendean Down.

Aside from the above skills we also have experience in flint walling, hedgelaying, pond clearance and stile building.