Weekly update, 23rd May

We hope you're all well and getting ready for the sun (which is finally out!). We have a couple of shout outs for upcoming events, both of which are in real need of helping hands so if either sound like they might be for you or you would just like more information, let us know.

What the volunteers have been up to:

Thursday Group (Abingdon), 18th May

For this session the group were doing some all important weed control at Radley Lakes - pulling ragwort and thistles to stop them spreading. Not very glamorous but a very important job! One of the volunteers, Mike Towndrow, also sent us some fantastic photos of a very playful fox he recently saw near the site. The next session is on Thursday 1st June.

Friday Group (Little Wittenham), 19th May

After a delivery of fence posts during the week, the group were able to carry on with the deer fencing on Round Hill. This is vital for protecting the trees from damage by deer. The next session is on Friday 26th May.

Leadership on the Edge, 19th May

We had a fantastic fundraising evening at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History on Friday night, featuring a very inspirational talk from environmental campaigner and polar explorer Robert Swan OBE. The volunteer fundraising committee did an amazing job and we had support on the night from a few volunteers and higher education work placement student Megan. 

Coming up...

Wildlife Wednesday, 31st May

Wildlife Wednesday is nearly upon us again! This time round the fun will be taking place at Abbey Fishponds in Abingdon during half term (Wednesday 31st May, 2pm-4pm). As always, we could really use some volunteers to come and help make this a successful event, helping with running children's activities and welcoming visitors to site. Families have the chance to come and learn about the nature on their doorstep and have fun on this special little nature reserve. Drop us a line to the usual address if you're available. This is one of the volunteering taster session available during Volunteers' Week - find out more...

Summer Picnic, 2nd July

Now the sun is shining, you must be thinking about the summer... And what better way to get out and about than coming along to our Summer Picnic on Sunday 2nd July. Not only is the summer edition of our seasonal festivals but it's also the Earth Trust's 35th birthday celebrations! We really will need an army of volunteers to help make this day a success. As with all our events, any money raised goes straight back into the charity and all the good work that it does, and we really can't do it without you! We need help on all areas of the event including getting cars parked, welcoming visitors through admissions, running children's activities and helping run the pop-up Poem Tree Cafe. Volunteers will be provided with lunch as it's a whole day and will be supported by staff in every area. If you think you can help please let us know.