Pewley Down Volunteers

RESUMING 3rd October 2020

We are looking for  volunteers to be part of  conservation work parties on Pewley Down in Guildford.    Pewley Down is a Nature Reserve, owned and managed by Guildford Borough Council, with assistance from the volunteers.   We meet on the first Saturday of every month, by the notice board, at the top of Pewley Hill, and work from 10am to 2pm. Pewley Down is chalk grassland, home to rare species of plants and butterflies. Volunteers are needed to keep the Downs in good condition by cutting back the scrub using hand tools: loppers, bow saws, forks and scythes. Safe rules for working is our priority.   Adult volunteers who are competent in the use of hand tools and experienced in conservation work are welcome to join our work parties, if children come with their parents they remain the responsibility of their parents.

Please wear outdoor clothes, work boots and gloves. The slopes are steep and slippery and there are rabbit holes. Please bring your own water and food.

Adult volunteers are asked to provide 2 references by e-mail from people who know you.  Also please tell us briefly about your experience in using tools and wildlife interests.   Work varies according to the season of the year and the weather.

Please note due to COVID-19:  You can only attend if:

You are well and nobody in your household has coronavirus symptoms.

You, or any member of your household are not classified as Clinically Extremely Vulnerable.

You bring your own labelled goggles and thornproof gloves

You bring your own hand sanitizer

You bring your own food and drink

You accept the need to self isolate for 14 days if requested to by NHS Test and Trace

Check emails before leaving for the work party

Can arrive in time for the 10am briefing

Everyone must maintain a social distance of two metres.

Please click on the FILL IN AN APPLICATION button to contact us for further details.

Pewley Down is your Local Nature Reserve, owned and managed by Guildford Borough Council.  Pewley Down is chalk grassland, renowned for its unusual flowers, and the butterflies which depend on these.

The volunteers work under the guidance of the countryside team.

We meet on the first Saturday of every month throughout the year, at 10:00, by the Pewley Hill entrance. Work parties go on till 1400. Drinks & biscuits provided. Volunteers should wear strong boots as the ground is uneven, with lots of rabbit holes. Participation by Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Candidates is encouraged. The main work is to keep the scrub under control, using saws, rakes and loppers. We also monitor plants and insects on site.