Green-fingered volunteers celebrate fifth anniversary

Archived press release

Date Published: 10/06/08

An enthusiastic group of wildlife supporters in Aylesbury Vale is celebrating its fifth birthday this month.

Vale Countryside Volunteers (VCV) was set up to help improve the local environment and protect wildlife. The volunteers help in a number of ways, from hedge laying and woodland planting in the autumn and winter, to wildflower planting and wildlife surveys in the spring and summer.

To mark the fifth anniversary of the conservation group, volunteers will be planting 1,000 wildflower plants at the Aylesbury Riverside Walk on Wednesday 11 June.

The group was launched in 2003 by Aylesbury Vale District Council and two keen volunteers – Tony Talbot and John Dunn. With help from a £40,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the group purchased a minibus and tools.

Five years on, VCV has planted thousands of trees and 1,000 metres of hedgerow across the Vale. The group has clocked up more than 2,000 volunteer hours since its launch, which has been valued at £150,000 by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Councillor David Thompson, AVDC Cabinet Member for Leisure, said: “The dedication of the volunteers is very impressive; they are making a real difference to our precious local environment and are helping species like otters and water voles survive. Tony and John continue to provide enthusiastic leadership, which encourages volunteers to turn out every week, come rain or shine.”

Tony Talbot, Leader of VCV, said: “We have a wonderful group of enthusiastic volunteers who are helping us make a positive impact on the wildlife of the Vale. I’m proud to lead this group and look forward to hearing from new volunteers.”

VCV meet every Wednesday and all tools are provided to volunteers. Members of the group work at their own pace and ability and no experience is necessary as training is provided.

For further information about the Vale Countryside Volunteers, visit the council’s website at www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/leisure-culture or call 01296 427972.