volunteering for nature groups

magicbastarder

has anyone here ever done this?
i've popped a mail off to this crowd, as i can arrange accomodation near their main site, but i was wondering if anyone has any experience or feedback with any groups like this?

http://www.nativewoodlandtrust.ie/

JohnnyApple

Hi,

I have done this in the US before, but the groups in Ireland seem to be very amateur, underfunded and more about lip-service and campaigning and doing stuff that is no more than a gesture

I have never heard of this group before - but they look really interesting - I think I will email them also. I didnt think there were any groups in Ireland who you can volunteer with to actually plant some trees.

magicbastarder

the response i got was that they are hiring their first full time employee this month, so will be ramping up some of their activities soon, but are mainly engaged in the trees for schools scheme at the moment. there's a public meeting being planned for dublin (no concrete date yet) "to try and harness the goodwill of our members and volunteers" - i don't know yet if that will be open to members of the public who are interested in joining.

Connacht

I am currently looking at getting a group together for rhododendron eradication in a part of Mayo.
The rhododendron is a highly invasive species that is destroying the natural habitat in much of the West of Ireland.
My plan is to get a group together this summer, for two weeks cutting and removing.
There would be no payment to me whatsoever (or to anybody else). Volunteers would, however, have to pay for accommodation locally, but again, I would be getting no cut whatsoever.
If you are interested, PM me and then be prepared to wait, until I get it organised with the relevant authorities and land owners, etc.
There will be no requirement to commit for the full two weeks, or any period. You can come for a day, three days, or whatever.
Did I mention this is in no way a money making venture - pure volunteerism.

have you heard of this group?

http://www.groundwork.ie/

I spent a week in Donegal, a long time ago, chopping down the Rhodies, great fun altogether.

magicbastarder

Connacht wrote: »

I am currently looking at getting a group together for rhododendron eradication in a part of Mayo.

common land, or do you have to seek the permission of the landowner?
how do you prevent the rhododendron regrowing from the roots?

Connacht

See this :
http://www.woodlandsofireland.com/docs/No%5B1%5D._3_Rhodo.pdf

John Griffin

This is a good and very active group http://www.geocities.com/trailvolunteers/

littlebug

Connacht wrote: »

I am currently looking at getting a group together for rhododendron eradication in a part of Mayo.
The rhododendron is a highly invasive species that is destroying the natural habitat in much of the West of Ireland.
My plan is to get a group together this summer, for two weeks cutting and removing.
There would be no payment to me whatsoever (or to anybody else). Volunteers would, however, have to pay for accommodation locally, but again, I would be getting no cut whatsoever.
If you are interested, PM me and then be prepared to wait, until I get it organised with the relevant authorities and land owners, etc.
There will be no requirement to commit for the full two weeks, or any period. You can come for a day, three days, or whatever.
Did I mention this is in no way a money making venture - pure volunteerism.

What part of Mayo?

Jim Martin

The Irish Wildlife Trust organise work parties, I am at present involved with starting a Clare branch - 1st meeting on Wednesday 22nd April, 8pm at the Clare Education Centre, Government Buildings, Kilrush Road, Ennis.

Conservation Volunteers Ireland also organise work parties.