Now published: CJS Focus on Volunteering in association with Groundwork

26 pages in total, the lead article is from Groundwork; in response to a need to find creative ways of preserving our parks and open spaces in the ‘Age of Austerity’ Groundwork has developed a ‘Community Project Toolkit’, which will aid groups wanting to better their local area. Similar information is included in our round up of how to set up a ‘Friends of’ group with thanks to Leeds City Council. The Scottish Countryside Rangers Association (SCRA) piloted a Junior Ranger project which has resulted in a network of groups run by different Ranger Services across Scotland; East Lothian Countryside Service run one such group and profile one of the Junior Rangers who has gone through the project. An internship with Scottish Wildcat Action was a natural move for James Walker who left a permanent ranger post to try and fulfil his dream of working on conservation projects. Find out if the gamble was worth it. People’s Trust for Endangered Species (PTES) has always involved volunteers in their work. The Mammals on Roads survey, although counting the dead, gathers vital data on mammal populations. PTES will continue to utilise citizen science in their research; find out what you can get involved in. With 12,000 regular volunteers the RSPB receives over 900,000 hours annually. This contribution is essential to the smooth running of the charity but it’s not all outside practical work; you don’t even have to be a bird expert to donate your time and talents. Read it here