Join Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s Upstream Thinking Volunteers for a ‘Taster Day’ of practical conservation on Thursday 7th June, meeting at 9:45am (until about 3pm) at Argal Reservoir car park near Penryn. Practical volunteers are an important part of the Trust’s Upstream Thinking Project, a South West Water (SWW) initiative. Upstream Thinking works with local farmers and landowners towards cleaner water and improved homes for wildlife in and around the College and Argal Reservoirs which provide drinking water for Falmouth and Penryn.

Beth Cross from South West Lakes Trust who leads the Upstream Thinking Volunteers says,

“Volunteering in conservation is a great way to get outside, get fit, meet new people and learn more about nature whilst helping your local wildlife. Our work ranges from scrub clearance and coppicing to meadow management for harvest mice.”

Liz Cox, Upstream Thinking Ecologist, gives us an example of how the volunteer group support the work of the Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s Upstream Thinking project,

“Our volunteers really enable us to help and support landowners improve their land for wildlife: This April, the volunteers teamed up with local families to plant over 100 trees for wildlife at Rose Valley Farm Flowers, a local business near Mabe. These trees, kindly provided by the ‘Tree Appeal’, will bring benefits to wildlife and water quality, as well as providing an educational resource for home schooled children.”

Andrew Clappison who runs Rose Valley Farm Flowers with his wife Sarah says,

"There is something very enriching about planting trees and we are very grateful to the Upstream Thinking Volunteers and the Tree Appeal for helping bring people and trees together!"

Booking is essential, by calling Beth on 07872 194812 or email: upstreamthinking@cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk No experience is necessary and all tools will be provided. Bring a packed lunch and wear long sleeves, trousers and wellies.