Ipswich: Green team calls for community support
AN INNOVATIVE community project that is transforming one of the town’s most deprived neighbourhoods is today calling for more volunteers to step forward to create an environmental legacy.
Since launching last year, Access to Nature Ipswich has brought together more than 400 people to work on conservation projects, educate others about the world around us and enjoy fun activities at the nature sites in and around Ipswich.
Becky Marley, project manager, said: “We are really making a difference to the lives of the people who have become involved in our projects, many of whom have never had such opportunities. We are connecting people with the natural wonders on their doorstep.”
Access to Nature Ipswich has been working closely with the Greenways Countryside Project to protect and enhance beauty spots and conservation areas, including Spring Woods and Stoke Park Woods, as well as improving neglected green sites in Ipswich, such as on the Triangle Estate.
They now need a team of 60 regular volunteers to not only continue this work but also to help plan bug hunts and other events.
Becky said: “We want to create a legacy of motivated people across the community who realise the value of their local natural environment and have the tools and training to care for it.”
One of the group’s biggest projects to date is a conservation scheme at the Alderman Canal Nature Reserve, which has been blighted by significant social problems.
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Volunteers have carried out extensive work to clean up the area, which is officially recognised as one of the most deprived wards in Ipswich, and have started building a bridge over the canal and creating a boardwalk linking the nature reserve to the recreation ground.
The area now provides a lovely place for walks and a vital habitat for wildlife. To become a volunteer call Becky on 07717 507348 or e-mail at bmarley@cvs.org.uk.
