Let's ACTUALLY do something!!

[Keefy]

I always seem to nag and complain about how some people use and abuse the great outdoors and I very rarely do anything about it, 'cept pic up a few bits of litter during my excursions.

Tonight I met a local news reporter who was delighted (and discusted) when I told her about Houghtons' litter problems http://www.goxplore.net/showthread.php?t=265 (http://http://www.goxplore.net/showthread.php?t=265). She explained to me that news reporters do not find their stories, but are informed about them from the public.
As such, I implore you all to take some action for youselves and other outdoor people, by taking a photo, and writing YOUR feelings to your local rag.

Houghton is the first on MY list of places to get clean..............
What is YOURS?


Many good Christmasy tidings and with bells on....

Keefy

[Sunrise Roy]

Hi Keefy

I quite agree.. I get real sad by litter in the countryside.. and more so the polution in our rivers here in the UK

[Keefy]

Well, Since 4th December 2004 (first post in this thread) lots has changed in my life!

I am actually starting to do something about our environment!

I am nearing the end of my Pond Warden training. This training was free of charge thanks to Southern Water and BTCV (British Trust for Conservation Volunteers). The main pond that I will be looking after is at my daughter's school. It is presently not that wildlife friendly in design and especially not in function as it has a hole in the liner! I am also involved in 4 other ponds in my local area and have written a preliminary pond management report for one that I believe contains Great Crested Newts! (Rare and Protected Species).

Last week I did my first day as a volunteer Countryside Ranger. It was great! I saw a Common Lizard for the first time in my life and the surveying taught me loads about grazed land versus not grazed on ancient heathland that has been partially taken over by Bracken, Gorse and Birch!

Hopefully I will be accepted on a years full time voluntary work based training placement to become a fully qualified Countryside Ranger (I even get my chainsaw certificate)! What a job eh?
I wish I had made this choice 10 years ago! Although the job is not particularly well paid, it is utterly worthwhile!

If anyone needs a satisfying job it would be worth asking at your job center to see if they have any similar placements.

I really hope that this post and this thread encourages people to do something about THEIR environment, even if it just a day a month as a volunteer Ranger.

Contact BTCV or your local council Countryside Rangers, they will always accept a spare pair of hands and you will feel much better about the fact that you have 'actually done something' !

Much encouragement,
Keefy

[timmygowalkies]

Unfortunately I am too young to join any type of organisation that can help clean up the countryside. But everytime I'm out in the countryside I always make sure I pick up any litter I see lying around and always ensure all my rubbish goes back in my rucksack.

About 3 months ago I was walking through a sheep field in Derbyshire and saw a sheep walking along with a Lilt can in its mouth. Fortunately a loud clap and some walking towards it made it drop it, and gave me a chance to pick it up and shove it in my rucksack.

[Keefy]

Good on you Tim!
We all need people like you!

Are you sure that you can't become a volunteer? I was under the impression that you can join any volunteer days, especially with people like BTCV who regularly hold activities for youngsters.
Parental permission is likely needed and I don't think that under 14yr olds are allowed to use bladed tools, but other than that I think you would be OK!

I'll try and find out for sure next wednesday, my next volunteer day!

Keefy

[timmygowalkies]

Thanks Keefy,
I'd definately be interested in any more information you could find for me I'm going to go and google it now. I'll report back.