Hadleigh Country Park is lucky in the support it gets from volunteer organisations dedicated to helping to improve public spaces for the enjoyment of everyone and the preservation of wildlife. This page offers a short introduction to each of the groups who help us out, what they do for the park and other projects they are involved with.

Friends of Hadleigh Castle Country Park
South East Essex Conservation Volunteers
Greengrid Taskforce (Groundwork)

Friends of Hadleigh Castle Country Park

The Friends of Hadleigh Castle Country Park was formed following the conclusion of a successful campaign by another group against a proposal to drive a major road across the Park. Charitable status was granted in 1993 (Registered Charity No. 1029479) .The Society is a meeting point for all who are interested in the Park. It is non-political but will campaign where necessary in the interests of the Park.

The objectives of the Friends are: "for the public benefit to advance education in Hadleigh Castle Country Park and the wildlife natural to the area and to assist in its conservation as a site of special scientific interest".

Members enjoy a program of talks on subjects related to aspects of the park, its history and management. A quarterly newsletter giving information on the Park as well as details of forthcoming meetings and events, including Ranger-led guided walks, social and fund-raising events.………..all these in the company of like-minded people.

Many members of the friends group volunteer on events with teas and coffees, preparation by wrapping presents or any number of other job which has allowed our events to be run more effectively for many successful years. The friends also donate money to the park to be spend on upgrading facilities or to help with new projects, a recent donation help in the furnishing of the inside of the iron age roundhouse.

For more information on the friends group please have a look at their website: www.fhccp.org.uk

South East Essex Conservation Volunteers Back to Top

The South East Essex Conservation Volunteers (SEECV) carries out practical nature conservation projects every other Sunday throughout the year. Sometimes we work with the Rangers at Hadleigh Country Park, but we also regularly visit other sites such as Rayleigh Mount, Lion Creek Nature Reserve (nr. Canewdon) and Dodd’s Grove (Belfairs).

Typical tasks undertaken include path work, fencing, coppicing, hedge laying, scrub clearance, pond work and meadow management. In fact, anything from building a kissing gate, to erecting bird boxes and planting trees. We also attend publicity events such as Two Tree Island Open Day.

So, if you enjoy the great outdoors, why not come along and join us? It’s a great way to keep fit, learn new skills and make new friends. It’s also good fun and you’ll be doing your bit for the environment too.

Please check out our Spring Program (2008) for forthcoming projects or download our Membership form for further information and joining details.

Greengrid Taskforce Back to Top

Groundwork South Essex runs the Greengrid Taskforce, an environmental voluntary group working in Castle Point, Thurrock, Basildon, Southend and Rochford. The taskforce is a great opportunity for anyone interested in conservation and the environment to get involved with their local area. We organise practical task days across South Essex throughout the year and anyone can get involved.

Typical projects could include scrub clearance, coppicing, litter picking, tree planting and gardening, from sites ranging from community gardens to school ground improvements, to parks and local nature reserves.

Conservation work can keep you fit and improve your mental health. You can learn more about your local nature and wildlife, whilst getting training in practical techniques and meeting new people.

Greengrid Taskforce Newsletter

New volunteers are always welcome. If you would like to find out more, contact Jenny or Jackie at:

Groundwork South Essex
Council Offices
Kiln Road
Thundersley
Benfleet
SS7 1TF

Tel 01268 752368
Website: www.groundwork-southessex.org.uk

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