1. Volunteering with Staffordshire Wildlife Trust on Cannock Chase
I began getting involved with conservation volunteering during my time at the University of
Sheffield, with the Sheffield University Conservation Volunteers, and decided to continue doing my
part for the environment after graduating by helping Staffordshire Wildlife Trust. They have a lot of
different volunteer days, all around Stafford and on different days, so there’s something to suit
everyone. I will probably be committing mostly to the Connecting Cannock Chase project, not least
because I miss spending time on the Chase.
Living in a town like Stafford, one easily forgets that there are some truly impressive places
right on our doorstep and Cannock Chase (especially in autumn) is one of the most beautiful. As well,
Cannock Chase happens to be exceptionally important due to the presence of lowland heath, one of
the most threatened habitat types, rarer than rainforest.
Our work on 31st
October consisted mainly of removing beech saplings from the heathland to
prevent them from taking over. We cut them out with loppers and saws before using herbicide on the
stumps to prevent regrowth. As we worked, I was taken in by the sheer diversity of fungi on the heath.
There were also a good number of ladybirds buzzing around, enjoying the last bit of warm sunshine
before winter took hold. It started off as a cold, foggy morning, but soon brightened into perfect
conservation weather, which left us doubting it was nearly November time.
At about midday we stopped for tea and biscuits, courtesy of the Trust, before working extra
hard for the remainder of our time on the Chase. It was remarkable how much we had accomplished
in just a few hours, but there is still more work to be done and the volunteers will meet again next
week to do just that.