Volunteering

Sustainable Communities - 18th February 2012

2012-02-09T15:28:00.001Z

Hey dudes. Hope to see you this Saturday 18^th February for the 6th Sustainable Communities Adventure.
Got some wicked photos of the last one. Would be good to share them with you if you want.

For any newcomers, you can get a free tour of the community land and the incredible eco homes they live in. There is deep woodland which is a lovely place to go to if you want to chill to the max.

Lots to see and experience with a variety of activities- Winter activities in the Horticulture Gardens, including; building compost bays (possibly), weeding and mulching the beds, collecting leaf mould from the woods and turning compost heaps, and transplanting baby trees that may have naturally seeded to where they can grow safely. Plus lots of other activities to suit your interests and abilities.

Meet us at 9:45am at the main Plymouth train station. The train leaves from Plymouth at 09:55am so please come on time so I can buy your tickets before the train leaves.

We will be sat inside the station in the waiting area..

if anyone is late give me a call 07890787851 and we can buy you a ticket while you make your way over.

All travel is paid for by us so its a free ride in a fancy train for you! :-)

Please sign up at the SU:HIVE (There is a sign up sheet there) and email me if you have any questions.

Look forward to seeing you. All the best,

Alarik

ViP Sustainable Communities Project Leader (the dude)

Volunteering in Plymouth (ViP) is a student led organisation, we organise volunteering opportunities throughout the academic year. Current projects include partnerships with the Barn Owl Trust, The Looe Monkey Sanctuary, Landmatters Sustainable Community, Moor Trees, the Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership, Slapton Lee Nature Reserve, Natural England and other local environmental organisations. During the academic year 2010/11 ViP organised 40 projects contributing over 2500 voluntary hours to local organisations. Volunteering in Plymouth is led by a committee of 14 students which includes 7 Project Leaders who organise and lead individual projects.

Student Volunteering Week 2012

2012-02-08T16:01:00.000Z

Daryl Gardner's running the Plymouth Half Marathon

2012-02-08T14:11:00.001Z

Hello Everyone!

I'm doing the Plymouth half Marathon for the charity Jeremiahs Journey and I am trying to raise as much as possible! Jeremiah's Journey is a charity that I have been part of for a while now as a volunteer and it is a charity that is really close to my heart. The charity supports bereaved children and their families in and around Plymouth, and it mainly offers support through a group program which uses creative activities to encourage healthy grieving and happy memories. In the last year it has supported nearly 200 children who have had someone special to them die.

We have all, at some point lost someone who is important to us and felt the grief that this can bring. To those of you that know me very well and know how determined and stubborn I can be, this is something that is really going to push me physically and mentally. I would be thankful for no matter how little or large you could donate to help me reach my target!

Below is my Just giving webpage link, where I would really appreciate any donation that you could make, no matter how small or large!

http://www.justgiving.com/Daryl-Gardner

and in advance........Thank you! :)

Volunteering at the Beckly Centre

2012-02-08T10:38:00.001Z

Information for potential volunteers:

The Beckly Centre is a registered charity working with and for children, young people and adults with disabilties. We are keen to attract enthusiastic helpers to help work with the young people attending sessions. We hope that people from all ages and from all walks of life will be willing to share their skills and talents with us, bringing with them new ideas, opportunities and their enthusiasm to help us operate a quality well supported programme. There are also opportunities to offer assistance with practical tasks such as general building works and office administration. Enthusiasm and the willingness to get involved in all aspects of the entertainment and care of the young people attending the Beckly centre is important, and previous experience is also useful, but not essential, to volunteer. Personal references and police checks are required. Visits to the centre, by arrangment, are welcomed so that opportunities for voluntary work experience can be discussed. We appreciate that everyone's free time is valuable but we would welcome anyone who would like to make a difference to young peoples lives to join us. http://beckly.org.uk/index.html

The poster for the fundraiser is also attached, if you could circulate this, that would be wonderful! If you know of any individuals/groups that may be interested in the evening event, please let me know.

Thanks,

Jodie Saunders

Volunteering with ViP Green Team - 11th February 2012

2012-02-07T13:15:00.001Z

Hi all,

Green Team is planning another trip with Natural England in aid of the pearl border fritillary butterfly. This time we will be near Mortenhampstead to clear bracken on Dartmoor for the habitat restoration of this species. The trip is on the Saturday 11th February, so sign up in the Hive or email volunteer@su.plymouth.ac.uk. Great news we now have a driver so are meeting at the hive 0830 so you can have a lie in!! This opportunity is limited to 14 places first come first served.

.
We will supply tea, coffee and biscuits but pleases bring lunch and a mug. As usual on Dartmoor it will be colder than Plymouth so don’t forget your warm clothes, waterproofs and boots.

Hope to see you there

Donna and LeanneViP Green Team

Volunteer with Plymouth Environmental Action

2012-02-07T11:05:00.000Z

Dear Volunteers,

This Saturday 11th February Plymouth Environmental Action (PEA) will be hosting an additional project - a Plant ID session at the University of Plymouth with Open Air Laboratories (OPAL) followed by a lichen and climate survey in Central Park. This is an excellent opportunity to brush up on your identification skills and learn about some of our local plants and lichens! (We will be walking to and from this project as it is very nearby).

On Sunday 12th February we will be tree-planting with Moor Trees in South Brent.

If you would like to join us on both or either of these projects this weekend, all you need to do is book a place (see contact details below) and then meet at the BTCV office in Mutley Plymouth (see map attached) at 9am on Saturday. Transport by minibus is provided free from Plymouth, all you need to bring is warm clothes, waterproofs and sturdy footwear (though boots and waterproofs can be borrowed if you haven't any). Tea and biscuits will be provided. We will be returning back to Plymouth at approx. 4:30pm.

Please let me know if you would like to book a place to any other dates in February. Meanwhile, check out our Facebook page, Twitter 'tweets' and Blog for more information.

Any questions, just ask!
Best wishes,

Esther and the PEA team

Esther Hughes
Youth Project Officer (Thursday to Saturday 9:00 - 17:30)
Plymouth Environmental Action
BTCV Plymouth
First Floor
6 Mannamead Road
Mutley
Plymouth
Devon
PL4 7AA

Mobile: 07833 923661
Tel: 01752 301455 (Thursday and Friday 9am-5.30pm)

Email: plymouthenvironmentalaction@hotmail.co.uk
Website: PEA Blog
Twitter: @PEA_Volunteer
Facebook: Plymouth Environmental Action

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards.

2012-02-07T10:25:00.002Z

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards.

District 1290

30th June to 7th July 2012

RYLA stands for Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, which are gained by candidates who complete a one-week residential course held every July at Brimpts Farm, Dartmeet. The course comprises an intensive programme of outdoor activities and tasks aimed at team building skills, along with a series of projects and lectures from eminent, high achieving members of the South West community. Our objective is to inspire and develop the confidence and ability of our candidates, to teach them to become leaders in their communities and to plan for themselves interesting and useful lives. The learning experience of how to run a meeting, save a life or organise their thoughts before speaking in public can be a life changing experience for many.

The RYLA programme is a well established project which has been operating in some 25 countries for over 30 years. Over 9,000 young people complete the courses each year. There are many different formats for a course and different areas cater for different age groups. However, all are run within the broad guidelines drawn up by Rotary International.

The District 1290 course selects candidates from Cornwall, The Isles of Scilly, Plymouth and South East Devon. It is regarded within Rotary as the most progressive and successful course. The 44 candidates for the course held at Brimpts Farm are selected from young adults between the ages of 18 and 28. They are selected by members of their local Rotary Clubs, who look for people who are keen and intelligent enough to take advantage of a very intensive and challenging programme and who are deserving of help in enhancing their personal development and leadership potential. Candidates need to be reasonably articulate but do not need to be extrovert.

After interview, successful candidates will be sponsored either by their local Rotary Club, by their employer or, in some cases, by a combination of both. Occasionally a candidate will sponsor him/her self. The reputation of RYLA has spread in our community and many of the more enlightened employers in the area recognise the excellent value of the course and the improved performance of the participants when they return to their companies.

The course is held every July, beginning and ending on a Saturday. This year the course runs from 30th June to 7th July. Accommodation at Brimpts is excellent and consists mainly of en-suite rooms for 4 people. The Chief Instructor is Jack Russell and his company, Personal Development Coaching, runs the course for Rotary. His personnel are well qualified and there is great emphasis on safety, Personal Development Coaching (www.pdcinspiration.com) and Brimpts Farm (www.brimptsfarm.co.uk) all carry large third party insurance cover.

There is ample car parking space at Brimpts Farm. Any candidate who wishes to travel by public transport can be picked up from either Tavistock bus station or Plymouth railway station. They would then be returned to either station on completion of the course.

After selection, candidates must agree to visit their sponsoring or parenting Rotary club as a guest before the course begins and to return afterwards to give a short talk about their experiences. They will then be presented with their RYLA certificate.

The cost of the course this year is £595 per candidate. Sponsoring Rotary clubs and companies are requested to pay a deposit of £100 per candidate at the time of booking. .

On completion of the course, candidates will return inspired with a degree of confidence and organisational ability that should change their lives. Completion of a RYLA course is impressive on a CV and at job interviews but the self confidence and team leadership skills acquired on the course should speak for themselves.

For further information contact this years Chairman of RYLA District 1290, Chris McQuillen-Wright 01637 877165 mcquillenwright@btinternet.com or Peter Berry, course director, 01326 250862 peter@berryco.co.uk

ViP Green Team Slapton Beach Clean - 29th January 2012

2012-02-02T15:10:00.001Z

Volunteer with the National Trust - Thursday 23rd February

2012-02-02T11:07:00.000Z

Hi Everyone,

Some time has passed since our last volunteering event up at Shaugh Bridge on the 21^st January. However, I just wanted to say a big thank you to all those who attended. A great amount of work was achieved.

Our next opportunity will be on Thursday 23^rd February to coincide with Student Volunteering Week.

The day will begin at 10am with some litter picking under the A38 flyover near Sainsbury’s at Marsh Mills. “Why there of all places?” I hear you ask. The National Trust is working with a number of key stakeholders to turn this area into a heritage arts arena and a more attractive entrance to the Plym Valley. Your efforts to keep this area tidy would be part of our Heritage Lottery Fund application to bring this project to fruition. You would therefore be contributing to a very good cause, as well as picking up litter that could end up in the River Plym.

Around 12:30pm we will walk to Plymbridge Woods and have lunch.

We will then continue with some burning of the non-native, invasive Cherry Laurel, until around 4pm. The rest of the ranger team will be there cutting up any remaining Laurel stumps with chainsaws, and treating such with a light herbicide to prevent any re-growth.

Tea and coffee will be provided during the morning litter pick by the ranger team at Saltram House. Don’t forget to wear sturdy footwear. All equipment will be provided and if you are with us for the whole day, don’t forget to bring some lunch.

I will not be meeting anyone at the Students’ Union on this occasion, but you can easily reach the area underneath the A38 flyover by catching City Bus no. 21 to the Mcdonalds at Crabtree. I will be at this bus stop between 9:45am and 10:15am to point you all in the right direction. Although the attached document will give you directions to Plymbridge Woods, it also highlights the location of the bus stop. For those cycling enthusiasts, the actual area we are litter picking has Route 27 of the National Cycle Network run straight through it.

I hope you can make it, even if it is just for the morning or afternoon activity. Newcomers are most welcome.

Hope all is well.

Jonny

Jonathan Noades

National Trust in the Plym Valley t

01752 341377

Find Out More:

Online - www.dartmoornt.org.uk

Facebook - www.facebook.com/NationalTrustPlymValley

Twitter - http://twitter.com/#!/DartmoorNT

Sport Makers - Monday 13th February

2012-02-01T11:00:00.001Z

Volunteering in Plymouth (ViP) Open Meeting Invite

2012-02-01T09:54:00.001Z

Hi Everyone,

Hope the term is going well and that you’ve settled back into swing of things.

The VIP committee would like to invite you to their next meeting on the 9^th of February at 1800 in the Hive.

This will be a great chance for those of you that are interested in committee positions for the next academic year to see what meetings are like and ask questions about the projects that you are interested in. You might also want to ask the different committee members what their roles involve and how much time they put in. Either way, it’ll be great to see some of you there and there will be passes for free entry and Q-jump to C103’s for those of you that do come.

If you are interested in coming, please email me back on Kirti.Ramesh@students.plymouth.ac.uk so that I can make sure you get all the details and agenda beforehand.

The committee positions available for next year are:

· President

· Vice President

· Secretary

· General Officer

· Treasurer

· PR Officer

· Safety Officer

· Project Leader- Moor Trees

· Project Leader- Green Team (2)

· Project Leader- Sustainable Communities

· Project Leader- Rural Stations

· Project Leader- Monkey Sanctuary

· Project Leader- Barn Owl Trust

Look forward to seeing you then,

Kirti

Kirti Ramesh
President, Volunteering in Plymouth

Fan Mail! 31st Jan 2012

2012-01-31T13:37:00.001Z

We love you very much
You do so many things
You go out on adventures,
With trees and birds with wings
You go into the community
With students far and wide
And make a great big difference,
That's why we love you guys

XXX

Monkey Sanctuary - 21st January 2012

2012-01-31T09:48:00.000Z

A big thank-you to everyone who joined us at the Monkey Sanctuary on the 21st!

We had a really great day working in the gardens -

We picked up from where we left off on our last visit (we had dug a brand new path across the gardens). We set about finisihing off the path by covering it over with gravel. Some of us pushed wheel barrows filled with the gravel down to the path, while others flattened the gravel across the ground with spades.

It was soon time for lunch, which we all took together in the cafe area up in the car park (which is on high land so it has beautiful views over the Sanctuary and the sea below).

After lunch we set about digging another small section of path, which would connect our new path with an older one - with the aim of making the gardens more accesible to visitors when the Sanctuary reopens to the public later this year.

It was amazing to see the paths really take shape after all our hard work :)

As a thank-you for all our hard work, we were given a guided tour of the Sanctuary, during which one of the keepers told us about the monkeys in their care. While we all enjoyed seeing the monkeys, it was hard to hear of cruelty that the monkeys had endured. The keepers at the Sanctuary are doing such great work to rehabilitate these monkeys, and they rely on the support of volunteers like us to enhance the habitat.

Kirstie

ViP Monkey Sanctuary Project Leader

Sustainable Communities 28th January 2012

2012-01-25T10:25:00.002Z

Hey guys.

Hope to see you this Saturday for the fifth Sustainable Communities Adventure.
Got some wicked photos of the last one. Would be good to share them with you if you want.

For any newcomers, you can get a free tour of the community land and the incredible eco homes they live in. There is deep woodland which is a lovely place to go to if you want to chill to the max.

Lots to see and experience with a variety of activities- Winter activities in the Horticulture Gardens, including; building compost bays (possibly), weeding and mulching the beds, collecting leaf mould from the woods and turning compost heaps, and transplanting baby trees that may have naturally seeded to where they can grow safely. Plus lots of other activities to suit your interests and abilities.

Meet us at 9:45am at the main Plymouth train station. The train leaves from Plymouth at 09:55am so please come on time so I can buy your tickets before the train leaves.

We will be sat inside the station in the waiting area of the station.

if anyone is late give me a call 07890787851 and we can buy you a ticket while you make your way over.

All travel is paid for by us so its a free ride in a fancy train for you! :-)

Please sign up at the SU:HIVE (There is a sign up sheet there) and email me if you have any questions.

Look forward to seeing you. All the best,

Alarik Greenland

ViP Sustainable Communities Project Leader

Slapton Ley Beach Clean - 29th January

2012-01-19T14:43:00.000Z

Hello Folks!

Hope you have all had a fun festive season and are settling back into the swing of things! The Green Team are starting off the term with a beach clean at Slapton Ley as part of the Marine Conservation Society's beach clean survey. We are looking for volunteers to take part on 29th January.

The plan for the day is to meet outside the Hive at 9:30am where we will take the mini bus to Slapton Ley. Slapton Ley is a 214 hectare nature reserve managed by the field studies council as an outdoor lab for education and conservation. It encompasses some special species like otters and dormice and is a site of scientific interest. The golden sandy beach itself stretches for nearly 2 miles from the village of Torcross to Strete Gate! So we want a full mini bus! We will provide bin bags, gloves and litter pickers along with the tea and the cake! However could you all bring along a mug for the tea and make sure you wear warm clothes and appropriate footwear. We should be back in Plymouth no later then 5pm.

For those of you who are interested please sign up on the sheet outside the hive ASAP as places on the mini bus are limited.

See you on the 29th!

Leanne and Donna

Green Team – VIP

Volunteer Update

2012-01-18T16:15:00.000Z

Volunteer Hours Total for 2011/12 – 3800 hours!

Hello and welcome to this volunteering update. There’s lots planned for this term so we hope that you can come along and get involved. Don’t forget to send in your hours as you receive a gift when you hit 50! If you are still looking for an opportunity to suit your needs then the good news is that we have linked in with Plymouth Volunteer Centre and they are helping us to search and seek out the random and unusual volunteering activities, so please do get in touch.

This term will also see the voting in of the new ViP committee so watch out for updates from Kirti, the current brilliant President, to find out how to get involved and for all the information you will need.

Oh and we will be holding our annual Awards Ceremony, so keep a look out for how to nominate and to get nominated!

Thanks!

Message from Volunteering in Plymouth(ViP)

Hi Everyone!

I hope the term has gotten off to a good start for all of you!

I am writing with some exciting news! Traditionally it has been that committee members of Volunteers In Plymouth have their own society hoodies. However, we would like to extend this and get hoodies made for all society members that would like one. We were wondering whether this idea would be of interest to anyone?

The hoodies will cost a maximum of 18 pounds per hoodie (bargain!) – and will be a light grey in colour with a big Volunteers In Plymouth logo on the back, and your name plus a smaller VIP logo on the front. They are exceptionally good quality, and come in very generous sizes…not to mention being lovely and warm! They would make a perfect winter accessory for when you’re out on projects, or simply just for daily use. And of course they would give you the opportunity to show off all the awesome volunteer work you have been undertaking over the last year!

If anyone is interested in purchasing a hoodie, please feel free to email our Vice Chair on Rachel.nafzger@students.plymouth.ac.uk with your name and the size of hoodie you would like and I shall put you on the list by Friday, the 20^th of January.

ViP would also like to welcome and invite all of its members to its next committee meeting so that they get a feel for what meetings are like and can ask questions if they're interested in taking on committee positions in the new academic year. It'll be the perfect chance to meet everyone on the committee before the AGM and get a feel for what roles they might be interested in.

The date is 9th February at 6pm in the Hive.
Thanks for reading! I hope to hear from more of you soon!

Kirti

President - Volunteering in Plymouth

Relays Update

1. Flames – 1^st Training session is Wednesday 25^th January.

We are looking for students to lead sports and health sessions linked with the Olympic values (the Flames projects) in primary schools. Many of you signed up before Christmas.

We will be hosting an introduction presentation and training session to Flames on a few dates at the end of the month, dates are below. The training will be held in Pitts Hall next to Robins Halls of residence.

If you would like to get involved please confirm your attendance by emailing Jo Reed (by the latest 20^th January) and we will add your name to the list; if you could please give your choice of 2 dates (if possible) we can work to put as many individuals in one session to make the training more interactive. If you’d like to read up before we meet just check out this website: http://www.flameslightingtheway.co.uk/home/index.html

Training dates (please give 2 choices, if possible):

Wednesday 25 January 2012 (1200-1500)

Thursday 26 January 2012 (0930-1230)

Friday 27 January 2012 (0900-1200)

2. Winter School Games – Wednesday 7^th March

The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games gives Britain the chance to celebrate our cultural heritage through the medium of sport. As part of our Devon School Games celebrations we are looking for student volunteers to assist in a large school sports event for school children in Paignton. Transport can be provided and of course a RELAYS t-shirt! We are looking for help in the following roles. Please let me know ASAP if you are interested. It’s an all-day event.

Roles	Descriptions
Volunteer Co-ordinator Roles	· Set up site. · Work with centre staff to ensure facilities are tidy at all times. · Support athlete movement at peak times. · Supports set up and clear up of sports areas. · Support with lunches for staff. · Tidy facility at the end of the day
VIP support	· Welcome VIPs · Welcome address · Opening and Closing ceremonies compares · VIP tour of venues
Media Roles	· Work with events and media team in delivering a media service at the School Games. · Work with media teams to assist with the developing media coverage of the event and teams. · Runners for media staff.
Public Service Assistant Roles	· Reception desk duties · Supporting arrival procedures · Assist with registration of photographers and overseeing procedure. · Assist with any general enquires from athletes, managers, spectators and orientation around the venue, information about the event and direction to events.
Movement and support to Sports	· Assist with parking and directing athletes to venues · Assist with movement and management of athletes during ceremonies · Assist with movement of teams to event areas · Act as link between NGB/Sport staff and Event Management. · Link with one sport during the day

3. Get Active @ Duloe – Saturday 10^th March

Opportunity for student volunteers to help deliver sports and arts/crafts sessions to young people and their families. Get Active @ Duloe is a big family sports day open to the anyone in the local community of Duloe. Participants arrive and sign up on the day and take part in a number of sessions. Help needed with the following:

· Signing participants as they arrive

· Setting up equipment

· Marshalling

· Supporting sports coaches

· Helping deliver arts/crafts sessions.

Transport provided.

10.00 am -4.00 pm approx (including travel time).

Volunteering Dates

Wednesday 25^th January

Tree Planting with Moor Trees ViP Student Led Project

Meeting at 1pm at the Hive for lift in the minibus to: Tree Planting @Badworthy

Future ViP Moor Tree Dates – 8^th - 22^nd February, 7^th and 21^st March

Wednesday 25^th January

Practical Conservation and Habitat Management with the Barn Owl Trust - ViP Student Led Project

We are off to the Barn Owl Trust. It’s the perfect chance to get outside and get some fresh air in the brain cells, and get a break from your computers!

Future ViP Barn Owl Trust Dates – 13^th February, 14^th March

Saturday 28^th January

Landmatters, Sustainable Community - ViP Student Led Project

On the 28^th Janaury we will be heading to Landmatters Sustainable Community, Totnes.

For those of you that haven't been, Landmatters is a sustainable community that lives off grid and aims to be self-sufficient. More info @ http://www.landmatters.org.uk/

If you would like to be added to the mailing list for this project please email us

Future ViP Sustainable Communities Trust Dates – 18^th February, 3^rd, 17^th and 24^th March

Sunday 29^th January

Practical Conservation with the Green Team at Slapton Lee - ViP Student Led Project

Full details will be sent out closer to the event if you would like to be added to the mailing list for ViP Green Team events please email us.

Future ViP Green Team Dates – 11^th February (to be confirmed)

20^th – 25^th February – Student Volunteering Week – see the website for all the details

Tuesday 21^st February

The Plymouth Guild Volunteer Centre will be running a drop-in session on Tuesday 21^st from 11-3 in the Hive, providing information on unusual and unique volunteering opportunities here in the City and helping any student who would like to search for volunteering work both here and further afield.

Wednesday 22^nd February

Rural Stations Project – Sandplace – ViP Student Led Project

For details of future ViP Rural Station Project email us to be added to the mailing list

Wednesday 22^nd February

Tree Planting with ViP Moor Trees – ViP Student Led Project

Saturday 25^th February

Monkey Sanctuary – ViP Student Led Project

Volunteering at the Monkey Sanctuary 21st January 2012

2012-01-12T16:26:00.000Z

Hi everyone,

Happy New Year :)

The first Monkey Sanctuary project of 2012 will be taking place on the 21st January.

If you'd like to join us, please sign up in the Hive. Places are limited to I'd advise you to be quick.
As usual we'll be working in the gardens at the Sanctuary, so you'll need to wear confy, warm clothes - waterproof coats and wellies are a must! Also bring along a drink and some food. And if you bring a mug - I'll be providing tea / coffee and biscuits.
We'll be meeting at 9am outside the Hive on the 21st and returning back to Plymouth for 5pm.
I look forward to seeing some of you there!

Cheers

Kirstie

ViP Monkey Sanctuary Project Leader

Volunteering Opportunities 7th - 14th January 2012

2012-01-10T11:10:00.000Z

~~Tree Planting with Moor Trees - Wednesday 11^th January~~ Cancelled

meeting at 1pm at the Hive for lift in the minibus to: Dartington tree Nursery

Please contact Jason Doe your student leader for this year to book a place in the minibus,

(there is also a sign-up sheet in Hive) please book promptly as places are limited!

Rural Stations - Liskeard, Saturday 14th January 2012

Hello everyone,

The next Rural Stations Project will be on Saturday 15th January (this coming Saturday), at Liskeard. As usual we will be carrying out some more remedial work, particularly maintenance of the gardens at the station. The train leaves Plymouth station at 11:23, so we will be meeting at the Hive at 11am - plenty of time to wake up! We should be finished by around half 3, and you should be back in Plymouth no later than 5pm.

There is a cafe at the station that serves food and hot/cold drinks, although feel free to bring your own lunch if you'd rather save your money :). The weather is forecast to be dry but cold, so make sure you bring warm clothes. Should be a good day!

Spaces are limited on this project (10 maximum); a signup sheet will be located in the Hive on a first come first served basis.

Hope to see you then! Any queries, get in touch.

Tim McLennan

ViP Rural Stations Project Leader

timothy.mclennan@students.plymouth.ac.uk

Sustainable Communities - Saturday 14th January 2012

Hey guys. Hope to see you this Saturday for the fourth Sustainable Communities Adventure.
Got some wicked photos of the last one. Would be good to share them with you if you want.

For any newcomers, you can get a free tour of the community land and the incredible eco homes they live in. There is deep woodland which is a lovely place to go to if you want to chill to the max.

Lots to see and experience with a variety of activities- Winter activities in the Horticulture Gardens, including; building compost bays (possibly), weeding and mulching the beds, collecting leaf mould from the woods and turning compost heaps, and transplanting baby trees that may have naturally seeded to where they can grow safely. Plus lots of other activities to suit your interests and abilities.

Meet us at 9:45am at the main Plymouth train station. The train leaves from Plymouth at 09:55am so please come on time so I can buy your tickets before the train leaves.

We will be sat inside the station in the waiting area of the station.

if anyone is late give me a call 07890787851 and we can buy you a ticket while you make your way over.
All travel is paid for by us so its a free ride in a fancy train for you! :-)

Please sign up at the SU:HIVE (There is a sign up sheet there) and email me if you have any questions.

Look forward to seeing you.

All the best,

Alarik

ViP Sustainable Communities Project Leader

Volunteer Update Dec 2011

2011-12-14T13:17:00.001Z

Volunteer Hours Total for 2011/12 – 3000 hours!

Firstly congratulations to Rachel Nafzger who is going to be carrying the Olympic Torch next year, Rachel was on BBC Breakfast along with Olympic gold medallist Jonathon Edwards, promoting the initial group of torch bearers. Also massive thank you to all those of you who have been volunteering in the local and wider community, you have already contributed over 3000 hours. Your work and dedication is greatly appreciated by the organisations. Interested in volunteering over Christmas? Please contact rubi@plymouthguild.org.uk who will be able give you some ideas. If you have yet to find suitable volunteering opportunities then it isn’t too late, keep an eye on our website, facebook, blog and Twitter or drop into the volunteer office in the New Year. Please find below the volunteering dates from UPSU Volunteers, Volunteering in Plymouth (ViP) and Relays for next term.

Volunteering Dates for 2012

11^th January – ViP Moor Trees

14th January – ViP Rural Stations Project

19^th January – 1700 – 1800: Summer Mix Community Event Meeting. Young people’s Arts, Sports and Cultural Events come along to Nancy Astor 006 to find out more.

21st January – ViP Monkey Sanctuary

21^st January – National Trust at Shaugh Prior

25^th January – ViP Moor Trees

28th January - ViP Green Team Beach Clean

28^th January – Stover Canal

8^th February – ViP Moor Trees

18th February - Relays - Get Active @ Duloe

20^th – 26^th February – Student Volunteering Week

TBC - National Trust Environmental Day

21^st February – Plymouth Volunteer Centre – Drop In

22^nd February – ViP Moor Trees

23^rd February – Plymouth Volunteer Centre – Drop In

25th February – ViP Monkey Sanctuary

7^th March – ViP Moors Trees

10th March - Relays Urban Sports Event

21^st March – ViP Moor Trees

24th March – ViP Monkey Sanctuary

19^th May – Olympic Torch Event!

27^th June – Devon Ability Games to Inspire

30^th June – Devon Games to Inspire

Full details will be sent out closer to the time, if you would like to be added to a mailing list for a particular event please email us.

People Can Training – free training programme in Exeter starting in January. 5 days over a 6 week period. The training covers mentoring, campaigning, and all areas of volunteer project managing. The main aim is for volunteers to then become community coaches and help people in the local area to get more involved in setting up their own volunteering activities, or take on a role with more responsibility within their chosen community group. Contact them directly to find out more! Georgia Spooner, Barefoot Coaching Project Assistant Direct Line: 0117 909 6315 Georgia.Spooner@Peoplecan.org.uk

The Volunteer Department would like to wish you all a Happy Christmas and Merry New Year and we look forward to working with you during Olympic year.

Regards

Claire, Andrew, Jo and Mark

Monkey Sanctuary - 3rd December 2011

2011-12-07T10:26:00.001Z

Another great day was had by all at the Monkey Sanctuary on Saturday! The task this time was to create a brand new path in the gardens that would offer improved access for visitors when the Sanctuary reopens to the public at Easter. So we set about digging in the mud, while Paddy, the resident groundsman dismantled the old, steep tarmac path. After a day spent digging in the slippery mud, we all felt proud to look at what we had achieved. The new path is about 4 ft wide and 3 ft deep, cutting across a large section of grass that will provide easier and less steep access to the gardens.

At the end of our day at the Sanctuary, Will, one of the keepers, gave us a tour of the monkey enclosures. He told us the monkey's stories, and the ways in which the keepers are trying to improve quality of life for the monkeys. The Sanctuary relies on the work of volunteers like us to carry out improvements. It was hard work, but it's definitely worth it to help such a dear place as the Monkey Sanctuary! The Sanctuary does such great work to rescue and rehabilitate monkeys.

Look forward to seeing more of you out on the project with VIP next term! :)

ViP Barn Owls

2011-12-06T13:47:00.001Z

Hi Everyone,

it is time again for our monthly trip to the Barn Owl Trust!

The outing is Monday 12th of December - the sign up sheet is up in the Hive and as always it is first come first served so get your name up quick! On the Monday we will leave at 10.00 so please get to the Hive for 9.30 am to give us time to get organised! As the weather is particularly chilly make sure you have plenty of layers, warm clothing and hats, gloves, waterproofs etc. Bring lunch and we will provide you all with hot tea/coffee and a few little treats!

We've had a couple of really good sessions, the past months clearing a good area of encroaching scrub, this week we are likely to be working in the orchard looking after the trees that Plymouth university students planted a few years back, so if you fancy a day in a wintery landscape doing a good deed for the festive season, it'll be great to have you along.

Hope to see you there!

Dom

ViP Barn Owl Trust Project Leader

Volunteering

join us on facebook visit the volunteer Blog follow us on Twitter visit our Website

University of Plymouth Students' Union | Drake Circus | Plymouth | PL4 8AA
Tel: 01752 588397 (direct) | Website: www.upsu.com

University of Plymouth Students’ Union is a registered charity in England & Wales No. 1143614.

P Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail.

The information within this e-mail and any files transmitted with it is confidential and solely for the stated addressee(s). If you are not the intended recipient, you should not disclose, copy, retransmit, distribute or rely upon it. You should note that such activity may be unlawful. If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender by e-mail immediately and delete it from your system(s). Internet e-mails are not necessarily secure. Whilst we take every care UPSU accepts no responsibility for viruses and it is your responsibility to scan the e-mail and any attachments. UPSU does not accept responsibility for changes made to this e-mail after it was sent. Nothing in this email constitutes an order for goods or services unless accompanied by an official order form.

Volunteers wanted Dame Hannah Rogers Trust in Ivybridge - Wednesday 7th December

2011-12-06T11:59:00.001Z

My name is Andrew Dean, I work for the Dame Hannah Rogers Trust in Ivybridge, supporting people with physical disabilities, including school, care, respite and independent living. Each year we have a Christmas lunch for all the staff, with volunteers supporting us by serving the lunch.

We have our lunch on Wednesday 7^th December (yes, this week) at lunch time (1200 - 1400) – however we are struggling for volunteers. We have 6, however we need a further 10 – is this something you can help with at such short notice. Please do let me know either way on the mobile number below – or email.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Kind Regards

Andrew

Andrew Dean

Director of Development

Dame Hannah Rogers Trust

T: 01752 898105 (Ivybridge Office)

E: mailto:bronwenhewitt@dhrt.co.uk

Message from Matt at Active8

2011-12-06T11:15:00.001Z

To all.

Hello guys hope all is well and not to stressful.

Just a reminder that I still need some of your applications and CRBS. I’m around from 5.30pm this Friday to complete any forms and we can get it all rolling!

You references can be Via Email to myself if this makes things easier?

So. Stuff to come up.. The dinner on Saturday the 10^th,.

Please grab the train from plymouth to Gunnislake.

Train leaves plym at 18.23pm and comes back to plymouth at 22.21 ( I know this is later than stated before )

Keep your ticket to claim it back or text me and ill purchase the tickets for you and you can collect them from me on Friday.

You will have dinner, and work with some of the young people. I won’t be there however Josey will and you will be made very welcome.

5th January Training 6-9pm at the plymouth uni

Just some light training and a bit of fun.

I have had response from 3 of you about the dinner. But need to know numbers on the training?

Many thanks

Matt

ViP Green Team - Wildlife Hit Squad Day

2011-12-01T16:18:00.001Z

Hi everyone,

We are helping out Natural England again on the 11th December. However, this time we will be doing more general conservation management to aid in habitat and species conservation within the internationally important East Dartmoor National Nature Reserve.

So come along for a great day out with your wellingtons and waterproof trousers as it will be wet and muddy. Also please bring warm clothes, lunch, water and your own mug as we will be providing tea and biscuits. Meet outside the hive at 8:30am we will finish at the site at 15:00 and should be back in Plymouth by 16:30,

The signup sheet will be in the hive from today.

Hope to see you there.

Leanne and Donna
ViP Green Team – Project Leaders

Volunteering

join us on facebook visit the volunteer Blog follow us on Twitter visit our Website

University of Plymouth Students' Union | Drake Circus | Plymouth | PL4 8AA
Tel: 01752 588397 (direct) | Website: www.upsu.com

University of Plymouth Students’ Union is a registered charity in England & Wales No. 1143614.

P Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail.

Space for Stillness

2011-11-30T11:53:00.001Z

Volunteers Wanted for CHICKS - 3rd December

2011-11-30T11:17:00.001Z

Volunteer Update - 29th November 2011

2011-11-29T13:40:00.001Z

Volunteer Hours Total for 2011/12 – 2200 hours!

Hello and welcome to this volunteering update. Firstly congratulations to Toby Cadenhead who won the young volunteer of the year at The Herald Youth Awards 2011 earlier this month. Also a quick reminder that you can follow us on Facebook, Twitter and find information on our blog or website

Learning through Volunteering Module (LTV 001)

As you know volunteering is a valuable activity, and it looks great on your CV and is the kind of thing that employers are looking for. The University is keen to place even greater value on extra-curricular activities such as volunteering by attaching credits to the learning that is achieved. These credits don’t count towards your formal programme but can be counted as additional achievements and will appear on your transcript, so it’s well worth the little extra effort to register and complete the mini-module. The LTV 001 module is worth 5 credits at level 4. This should be equivalent to 50 hours work in total (activity and reflection). For an informal discussion and to sign up please see Karen in the Learning Gateway every Wednesday 1300 – 1600.

Tonight 1700 – 2000: Sport Makers

3rd December 0900 – 1700

Landmatters, Sustainable Community - ViP Student Led Project

On the 3rd December we will be heading to Landmatters Sustainable Community, Totnes.

For those of you that haven't been, Landmatters is a sustainable community that lives off grid and aims to be self-sufficient. More info @ http://www.landmatters.org.uk/

Sign up in the Hive, UPSU or email volunteer@su.plymouth.ac.uk to secure your place.

3rd December 0900 – 1700

Monkey Sanctuary - ViP Student Led Project - This project is currently fully booked please talk to the volunteer office if you have your own transport.

The last visit of the term (don’t worry there will be more next year). Again we will be based in the gardens preparing paths, and doing general maintenance. We provide the transport, tea, coffee and biscuits, you provide the muscles! After we have finished work the sanctuary staff will give us a tour of the monkeys.

Sign up in the Hive, UPSU or email volunteer@su.plymouth.ac.uk to secure your place.

3rd December - 0900

Mutley Greenbank Christmas Lunch (Sherwell Church Hall)

A number of volunteers are required to prepare and serve the annual Christmas Meal. Volunteers are needed from 0900 – 1500. Please email us to let us know you’re interested.

3rd December 1000 – 1700 and 4th December 1000 - 1700

First Aid Courses

We are running two one day first aid courses this weekend and have 16 places on each. The cost for this course is £10. Places will be given on a first come first served basis. To secure your place please book at the volunteer office in the Hive and remember we need your £10 when you book.

The course will take place in Roland Levinsky 206. There has been high demand for these courses in the past so please book early to avoid disappointment.

3rd December – 0900 – 1500

National Trust

Hi Everyone,

Come and join us this Saturday and undertake some laurel clearing and burning as part of our eradication of this non-native invasive species from Plymbridge Woods.

This will be the last volunteering opportunity we offer this term and as a treat, we thought we’d throw in some hot chocolate and marshmallows to warm you up whilst you sit around the fire. You will need to wear sturdy boots/footwear, as well as clothing you don’t mind getting dirty. You will also need a packed lunch. We will meet in the National Trust Car Park (directions attached) at 10am, or you can meet me outside the Students Union at 9am for a bus ride and walk to the woods. Don’t forget, you can claim back your bus fare (£2 for a return with an NUS card) back from the Students’ Union! We will aim to finish around 3pm.

Hope to see you there!

Take it easy.

Jonny

Jonathan Noades
National Trust in the Plym Valley t
01752 341377
Email: Jonathan.Noades@nationaltrust.org.uk

7th December 1300 – 1800

Tree Planting with Moor Trees - ViP Student Led Project

As usual make sure to book a place on the minibus as places go quick. Sign up on the sheet on the volunteer notice board in the Hive, UPSU or email us.

We meet at 1200 outside the Hive (back entrance of the Student Union).

Remember as always to bring waterproofs and suitable footwear (boots or wellies). Wrap Up Warm.

Future dates - 14th December

11th December 0900 – 1700

Practical Conservation with the Green Team and Natural England - ViP Student Led Project
The ViP Green Team will be working with Natural England on Sunday 11th December, in the conservation of the Fritillary Butterfly. This is an endangered species of butterfly in the UK and Natural England is helping its numbers by restoring areas of desired habitat.

So if you would like to help conserve this amazing species through habitat restoration then please sign up in the hive, UPSU or by email and we will send you further details.

12th December 0900 – 1700

Practical Conservation and Habitat Management with the Barn Owl Trust - ViP Student Led Project

We are off to the Barn Owl Trust. It’s the perfect chance to get outside and get some fresh air in the brain cells, and get a break from your computers!

Sign up in the Hive, UPSU or email volunteer@su.plymouth.ac.uk to secure your place.

Winter Volunteering with OPAL

There are still plenty of volunteering opportunities to get involved with before the holidays, if you fancy a break from all that coursework or once your deadlines are out the way!

Take a look below and at the attached schedule and if there's anything you fancy getting involved with just drop me an email:

Wed 30th November 1-4pm: Introduction to earthworms & soil quality - learn about the role of earthworms and earthworm ecology, and take part in a national survey investigating earthworm populations and soil quality. Good if you like getting muddy!
Wed 7th December 1-4pm: OPAL Weather & Climate Surveys with the climate change society - take part in our national weather and climate survey to help scientists at the Met Office understand more about how the local environment affects the micro-climate and how adaptable we might be to changes in the weather. Meeting outside the Students' Union, on the stage area at 1pm

Sat 10th December 12-4pm: Community Wildlife Day in Woodland Woods, Honicknowle - help with activities for families and young people including woodland nature trails, soil and earthworm surveys and other outdoor activities.

Sun 11th December 12-4pm: Community Wildlife Day in Southway Local Nature Reserve - help with activities for families and young people including woodland nature trails, soil and earthworm surveys and other outdoor activities.

Wed 14th December 1-4pm: Introduction to lichens and air quality surveying at Burrator, Dartmoor National Park, plus plant and fungi ID and walk

Many thanks,

Alison
Alison Smith
OPAL Community Scientist
Email: alison.smith@plymouth.ac.uk

active 8 volunteering.

2011-11-23T16:14:00.001Z

Hi guys.

Hope all is well and the cold isn’t getting to you too much, just a quick email to put u guys uptodate.

I met some of you a few weeks ago, and handed you some CRB forms to fill in if you haven’t already sent them off then I will be in the Hive from around 3.30pm this Friday. I can pick them up from you then and also answer anymore questions.

Are next residential meeting is on the 10^th of December and I would love to invite you to come and join the young people for a dinner and chat. The venue is called Delaware and is 5mins walk from Gunnislake train station, which is about 20 mins out from Plymouth I believe? This is where most or all of our residential take place. So perfect if you live in Plymouth.,

There is a big adventure holiday booked for the young people at the beginning of next year and we really would love to get some more volunteers in for this,. This week is very popular with our young people and volunteers as it’s as relaxed as it is action packed., this is at http://www.calvert-trust.org.uk/exmoor/exmoor

Also we are holding a Volunteer training eve in Plymouth, here we cover all moving and handling of people, communication, awareness and “team building” it is also a chance for all the vols new and old to have a beer and socialise after! This falls on the 5^th of January.

There is lots planned for the coming year both with Active 8 and After 8, and hope that you all are still considering volunteering with us, this is a Fun opportunity, with plenty of self development. Your volunteer expenses’ are paid,. All we need from you is to be energetic, enthusiastic, laugh and have fun!

So just to confirm:

· Meet if you like 3.30pm this Friday at the HIVE, with CRBS or questions

· 10^th of December dinner on us at 730 ish, with the young people in gunnislake!

· 5^th January Volunteer training day for all starting, and old to refresh, Drinks after

Really hope you can make it guys please feel free to give me a call or text to ask any questions at all., really can’t stress enough how wicked it is to Volunteer for us!

All the best

Ride on

Matt

Matthew Stewart

After 8 Co-ordinator

Active8

07800876421

http://www.active8online.org/

reg. charity no. 1068239

volunteers! Active8

2011-11-23T11:09:00.001Z

Hello!

Hope you are all well and are not bogged down with too much work this week!

Our next residential is on the weekend of the 9^th – 11^th December and with this in mind there is an opportunity for volunteers to come up and meet the young people, on the Saturday 10th from 1930-2100 for a dinner. It is a really great way to get to meet people and find out about our activities and events. Transport will be arranged for you.

Thank you for all your support and we look forward to seeing you on the 10th.

Matt

Matthew Stewart

After 8 Co-ordinator

Active8

07800876421

http://www.active8online.org/

reg. charity no. 1068239

ViP Rural Stations Project - 6th November 2011

2011-11-23T10:20:00.001Z

On Sunday, 6^th November 2011, ViPs Rural Stations Project went to Looe station to help tidy up the platform area, and the overgrown vegetation next to the trackbed. The day started at 10.30, when we gathered at the Hive in preparation for our minibus trip to the station – on arrival, we found that because of the close proximity to the track, we were all given flattering orange boilersuits and blue hard hats to wear; even though there were no trains running! The pleasant sunny weather made work easy, with most of the weeding jobs completed by lunchtime. After this, it was simply a case of tidying the platform, planting bulbs in the flower beds and taking some fun team pictures mwhilst modelling our orange suits (including two very helpful Network Rail employees for the day). We returned to Plymouth at around 4.30, with all jobs well done! Having not been to Looe for many years, this was a great experience in perfect weather conditions, everyone seemed to have a great time and I hope to see more people next time!

Congatulations to Amanda Hicks who recieves the coverted Volunteering Mug!

2011-11-22T10:49:00.001Z

So Amanda Hicks becomes the 6th student to receive the beautiful handcrafted volunteering mug for contributing over 50 hours voluntary hours to a local helpline. But that is only part of the story, when quizzed it turns out that Amanda has contributed over 1000 voluntary hours during her 4 years at University, a truly remarkable contribution. Congratulations Amanda.

Do you have a story to tell? Please let us know what you have been up to.

ViP at Landmatters, Sustainable Community - 12th November 2011

2011-11-16T12:52:00.001Z

Hey Volunteers.

To those who didn't come last weekend this is what you missed!!- Eco buildings, beautiful wild woodland and '0 carbon' technologies!, incredibly inspiring.

Just filling you in on the adventures we had last Saturday at the Sustainable Community.

Many thanks to the volunteers who came, great to meet new people.

We were given an amazing tour of the Land and made very welcome. They gave us lots of tea and biscuits and told some very interesting insights into their way of life.

We did some great outdoor activities, making fires, weeding the veg beds and exploring the woods to collect leaf mould for compost.

Tea and biscuits were great, everyone had a good laugh, check out the photos!

All the best, Alarik

Sport Makers

2011-11-16T11:48:00.001Z

Monkey Sanctuary 20th Nov

2011-11-15T16:14:00.001Z

Hello again everyone,

I am pleased to let you know that we are off to the Monkey Sanctuary again this Sunday the 20th November.

The work we will be doing will be in the gardens again so please wear appropriate clothing - like wellies and a raincoat! You should also bring a packed lunch and a drink.

If you would like to join us for the day, the sign up sheet is in the Hive (which is next to the SU). We will be meeting at 9.30am outside the Hive on Sunday morning and returning to Plymouth at 5pm.

I look forward to seeing some of you on Sunday!

Kirstie

ViP Project Leader – Monkey Sanctuary

ViP Barn Owls Volunteering

2011-11-15T15:42:00.000Z

Hi Everyone!

The next trip to the Barn Owl Trust will be running on Monday 21st November 2010.

We had a great day last month scrub clearing, doing habitat maintenance of hedgerow areas and we even got a tour of the owls at the sanctuary! We will be doing more habitat maintenance this month and we'd love to have you come help out!

The signup sheet is up in the Hive for this month, we can only take a maximum of 14 people so its first come, first served!

On Monday 21st - meet at 9.30am in the Hive. Bring waterproof/warm clothing, sturdy shoes (no flip flops please!) and lunch/drinks. We will provide tea and coffee for you!

Hope to see you all there!

Dom :)

Volunteering

join us on facebook visit the volunteer Blog follow us on Twitter visit our Website

University of Plymouth Students' Union | Drake Circus | Plymouth | PL4 8AA
Tel: 01752 588397 (direct) | Website: www.upsu.com

University of Plymouth Students’ Union is a registered charity in England & Wales No. 1143614.

P Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail.

Volunteering with Moor Trees

2011-11-15T12:58:00.001Z

Hello…..

Next Week…. Wednesday 23rd November

All hands on deck!

Tree Planting!

meeting at 1pm at the Hive for lift in the minibus to Sparnham Fields in Ashburton

Sign up early, should be loads of fun!

Please contact Jason Doe your student leader for this year to book a place in the minibus,

(there is also a sign-up sheet in Hive) please book promptly as places are limited!

This Week please feel free to join our regular volunteers

Sunday 20th November 11.00am to 5pm.

Tree Planting at Sparnham Fields in Ashburton

Bookings for weekend events need to be in advance placed by 12pm on the Friday.

Please book your place by either calling Bea on 07855 973726 or volnews@moortrees.org if you are planning to come. Regular volunteers contact Brian for a lift in the minibus from Plymouth. (pick up at 9.45am!)

On wednesdays….even when your ViP group is not out…

We usually run a regular volunteer group on a Wed afternoon @ Hunters Moon Tree Nursery, Dartington from 1-5pm, for anyone who would still like to volunteer ….. & you should be able to get there by train to Totnes station

(if you are interested please contact Michelle 01364 649 277)

Learning through Volunteering and Plymouth Award Fund

2011-11-10T11:45:00.000Z

Dear student,

I am emailing to make you aware that there is a small amount of funding available to any student who is registered on the Learning through Volunteering module and/or the Plymouth Award in order to help them undertake a volunteering activity that might otherwise be outside their reach for financial reasons.

If for example you have plans to volunteer for an organisation but this requires a specific training course, or there is a conference you would like to attend that you feel will benefit your chosen activity, or your volunteering ambition means you have to stay away from your normal place of living, then please tell us about what you would really want to do and why you are unable to see your way to doing it.

We will treat the requests on a first-come-first-served basis and each request will be scrutinised by the Director of the Plymouth Award scheme and the Volunteer Manager in the Students Union (UPSU). Each grant will be limited to £250 per person.

Recipients will be expected to acknowledge the receipt of the grant and account for expenditure as part of their reflective portfolio for Learning through Volunteering or the Plymouth Award.

These grants are made available through a small fund created by our partner Banco Santander specially to support Learning through Volunteering and the Plymouth Award.

Please contact karen.turvey@plymouth.ac.uk for further information.

D G Croot
Director, Plymouth Award scheme
Module leader, Learning through Volunteering

Active8

2011-11-10T11:18:00.002Z

Matt from Active 8 contacted us yesterday with regards to a communal meal and get together they are planning for this Saturday evening (12th Nov) from 7.30 - 9.00 in Gunnislake, Cornwall. The plan is for the young people to cook the meal for you guys and the helpers, and then for you all to meet each other and generally get to know each other. He also mentioned something about painting but he didn't say much more!!

Please let me know if you are interested in attending and we can make sure you have all the final details. Matt will be contacting me today with exact times etc. Sounds like a great opportunity so let me know how we can help you.

Thanks loads,

Claire

Volunteers wanted for a bag pack for Childrens Hospice South West - 19th November

2011-11-08T15:21:00.001Z

Hello,

I am secretary of the above charity for the Saltash Friends Group and we are hoping to hold a bag packing at Morrisons, Plymstock on Saturday 19 November from 10.30am for about 3 hours. We are struggling to get enough helpers. If you know of any student volunteers who may be interested in giving their time to help us it would be much appreciated.

The Saltash Friends Group has been formed for 4 years and started primarily when the Children’s Hospice South West started its appeal for the 3rd hospice. There is already a Children’s Hospice South West in North Devon and Somerset and there has been such a need for one in Cornwall.

We are thrilled that the Little Harbour hospice is about to open its doors to families. This hospice is in Porthpean, St Austell, Cornwall.

Our Saltash Friends Group work very hard in fundraising and on average raises in excess of £20,000 a year. Not bad with about 15 members.

I hope this is helpful. kind regards.

Cynthia Richings, Placements Officer – Talent Hub

T. 44 (0)1752 585647 E. cynthia.richings@plymouth.ac.uk

Plymouth University Allotment

2011-11-08T13:37:00.001Z

Hello everyone.

I am sorry for the quiet period with regards to the allotment. We have had to have discussions with the University and Students’ Union staff regarding the future of the allotment and how it will work in the long term. We wish to make it more of a student/staff run project, so that you are able to go down when it is good for you, and run it how you wish.

Therefore, two meeting have been planned which give both staff and students a chance to voice their views on how they wish the allotment to be run with regards to factors such as who the food goes to, whether beds are split or shared, etc.

The meetings are to be held on Wednesday 9th November in Illusion, within the Students’ Union, at 1-2pm and 5-6pm. You only need to attend one of these meetings. Please can you reply to this message and let me know which meeting you will be attending. If you are unable to attend please let me know and we can send you through the questions before the meetings, allowing you to voice your opinion.

Volunteering at the Monkey Sanctuary - 5th November

2011-11-08T11:28:00.002Z

The weather was beautiful for our trip to the Monkey Sanctuary! When we arrived we were met by Paddy who explained that our task for the day would be widening some of the paths in the gardens in order to improve access for the public.

We then collected our tools from the mini van and wandered down to the beautiful gardens, which look out onto the sea. While some of us began digging and widening the paths, others started clearing the ponds of dead leaves - discovering lots of little frogs everywhere! At the end of our day at the sanctuary we met Will, the sanctuary's volunteer coordinator, who took us on a tour of all the monkey enclosures. He explained the great work that the team of carers are doing to rescue and rehabilitate monkeys, giving them the opportunity to socialise and form bonds with other monkeys - something that many of the monkeys had been deprived of before being rescued. Many of the stories he told us were really sad. He also explained that the sanctuary relies on the help of volunteers such as ourselves so we all felt great to be able to help out!

Burrator Reservoir Action Day - 5th November 2011

2011-11-08T10:18:00.000Z

Burrator Reservoir

Our day out at Burrator Reservoir started with making our way through narrow bends to get to the South West Lakes Trust office whilst enjoying scenic views of the Reservoir and surrounding woodlands.

Once there, we parked a little way from the arboretum, which is meant to be a great site for bird watching and would later serve as our spot for lunch and tea breaks, where we could sit down and enjoy the lovely weather. Here is also where we met Emily, who works at the South West Lakes Trust, gave us a quick brief about the Reservoir and then lead us on to our different activities for the day. Burrator reservoir is a damned river gorge on the river Meavy. Two granite leats that used to feed Plymouth water supply flow past the reservoir and give an interesting insight into water management and the hydrological cycle. There is also some interesting archaeology around the site with medieval farms (Vinnylake Farm) and other archaeological remains.

Our tasks for the day included pond dredging, coppicing and clearing up some paths. Whilst some of us put on waders and braved the murky depths of the pond, others got involved with the other activities for the day.

The work we did at the pond will now help maintain the diversity of the pond, oxygenate the water and restore the pond habitat to what it was. The pond is home to endangered newts about 14 other insect invertebrates and often visited by curious blue kingfishers (all of which some of us were lucky enough to see).

The coppicing allows trees to grow back whilst also making sure that there enough light coming in towards the river and streams.

After a fun days’ work, we got together for some group photographs (and biscuits) and then made our way back to Plymouth where all of us planned on enjoying some marvellous firework displays at the Hoe for Guy Fawkes night.

Plymouth 10k Marshals wanted

2011-11-03T16:12:00.000Z

We are looking for volunteers for the 10k on Sunday 6th November, to act as marshals for the event. It would be for the morning only, approx. 6.30am – 11.30am. All volunteers will be fed and watered and get a souvenir t-shirt. Anyone interested can contact me on 0845 303 6605 or Hannah.skehan@plymouthhalfmarathon.co.uk

Speak to you again soon,

Hannah

ViP Green Team Volunteering with Natural England

2011-11-01T16:26:00.000Z

Green Team is working with Natural England on 2nd November, in the conservation of the Fritillary Butterfly. This is an endangered species of butterfly in the UK and Natural England are helping its numbers by restoring areas of desired habitat.

So if you would like to help conserve this amazing species through habitat restoration then please sign up in the hive and meet outside it at 9:10 on Wednesday 2nd November.

Also please bring sensible clothes, that are warm and waterproof. It may be muddy so bring boots or wellingtons.

Also bring a packed lunch and plenty of water.

We are planning to finish at the site at 16:15, to be back in Plymouth by 17:00.

ViP Green Team at Slapton Ley Field Centre Visit

2011-11-01T15:13:00.001Z

We accidentally took the long route to Slapton Ley however it was worth it when we turned the corner on top of the cliff and were faced with the view of miles of sandy beach and the largest freshwater lake in the South West – the Ley. It was so beautiful! We headed to the field centre in haste to explore more of the nature reserve and to begin our days work.

We met James, collected tools and headed out the back of the field centre and up to another view point of the coast. There we were briefed and giving some information on the area. Slapton Ley is a 214 hectare nature reserve managed by the field studies council as an outdoor lab for education and conservation. It encompasses some special species like otters and dormice and is a site of scientific interest (SSSI since 1993).

Our task for the day was to clear and fix some steps to improve access to an ancient woodland area of the nature reserve. Spades in hand half of us began to clear the steps of fallen leaves and dig out steps which needed to be replaced. In the meantime others helped to create steaks/steps from fallen trees using axes. There were many steps! Luckily the rain held off so we could get stuck in and work hard, slipping and sliding in the mud, it was fun! After a couple of hour’s hard work it was time to stop for lunch/ tea and cake by the babbling brook!

After lunch it was time to replace the steps with the newly made steps crafted by volunteers! The steps also continued up into the wood on the other side of the brook, although they were in better condition and none needed replacing they were very covered in leaves so we made our way up clearing as we went.

Once finished we moved on to our next task for the day, clearing Ivy from the trees! It is important that Ivy is removed as it can cause several problems impacting on the health of the tree. It is aggressive and grows densely smothering the tree eventually killing it. The weight of the Ivy also makes the tree susceptible to blow over in high winds and this makes access to the site dangerous. We removed as much of the stuff as we could along the footpath before the light began to fade and it was time to leave.

Back down at the brook we could look up at the steps and see all the hard work achieved in the day, very rewarding! Muddy and tired we headed back down to the bus and back to Plymouth munching sweets on the way, another great day!

50 hours of volunteering for Donna

2011-10-25T15:59:00.000+01:00

Congratulations to Donna Cavill who became the proud owner of a volunteering mug. Donna one of Volunteering in Plymouths (ViP) Green Team Project leaders was the first person to record 50 hours volunteering this year. Keep the UPSU Volunteering Department informed of your voluntary hours and claim your mug when you reach 50 hours.

Apple Day @Sharpham Estate

2011-10-25T10:44:00.000+01:00

Apple Day @Sharpham Estate

By

Green Team

We caught the morning train to Totnes to start the day with the Apple fun run! The fun run was held to raise money for Totnes Caring, a charity which offers much needed help to elderly,disabled and vulnerable people in the community. It took place along a gorgeous foot path through woods and fields up to the Sharpham Estate, where the apple day shenanigans were to take place! Some of us stewarded the event while the rest of us got to help carry kilos of apples 2.5km to the Juicer! Once we reached the estate our apples were weighed in, washed and pressed! We were then rewarded with a refreshing glass of freshly squished apple juice, very scrummy!

Next we were put to work on a variety of apple related activities which were all very fun! They ranged from washing and pressing apples, pouring and selling the juice to participating in the Apple Olympics! This involved multiple games such as apple bobbing and apple weaving! For which you were rewarded with a very fancy apple day medal! However you did have to complete all of the activities in order to win one. Sadly the event came to an end and everybody worked hard to ensure all who attended had a fantastic day! We were all given bottles of apple juice as a thank you and the Sharpham guys were very pleased with our work!

Moor Trees & ViP w/c 26 Oct 2011 clocks change Saturday!

2011-10-25T10:35:00.001+01:00

Moor Trees Check out the new Moor Trees student page!

DON’T FORGET The Clocks go forward THIS SATURDAY NIGHT!!

RESTORING NATIVE BROADLEAVED WOODLAND

www.moortrees.org

Hello Everyone,

As you may know we have started and are well into building our new shed/volunteer shelter! Very exciting! And we got stuck into some seed processing!

This week ….. we have several hundred acorns to sow and lots of willow cuttings to make, amongst other activities.

Wednesday 26^th October meeting as at 1pm at the Hive for lift in the minibus to

Hunters Moon Tree Nursery @ Dartington

Please contact Jason Doe your student leader for this year to book a place in the minibus,

(there is also a sign-up sheet in Hive) please book promptly as places are limited!

This Week please feel free to join our regular volunteers

Sunday 30^th October 11.00am to 5pm. Seed collecting at Dartington Estate

Bookings for weekend events need to be in advance placed by 12pm on the Friday.

Please book your place by either calling Bea on 07855 973726 or volnews@moortrees.org if you are planning to come. Regular volunteers contact Brian for a lift in the minibus from Plymouth. (pick up at 9.45am!)

On wednesdays….even when your ViP group is not out…

We usually run a regular volunteer group on a Wed afternoon @ Hunters Moon Tree Nursery, Dartington from 1-5pm, for anyone who would still like to volunteer ….. & you should be able to get there by train to Totnes station

(if you are interested please contact Michelle 01364 649 277)

If you need any other information on regular volunteering days you can contact us by email on volnews@moortrees.org.

Thanks

Moor Trees

Moor Trees - The Old School Centre, Totnes Road, South Brent, TQ10 9BP.

T: 0845 456 9803 / 01364 649277 E: volnews@moortrees.org.

Volunteering at Stover Canal

2011-10-20T14:26:00.001+01:00

Hello

After a successful visit to the Canal last Sunday (see feedback on the blog or see photos) the society will be holding their monthly working parties on the 29th + 30th October. If you would like to attend one or both of these days you are more than welcome. You can travel by train to Newton Abbot, plan to arrive sometime before 10, where we can arrange for one of the society to meet you and transport you to the site. We will be happy to reimburse your train fare on receipt of a valid receipt/ticket.

If you would like to attend please reply to this email by midday on Thursday 27th October. Feel free to contact us or visit http://www.stovercanal.co.uk/ for more details.

Volunteers Wanted for CHICKS

2011-10-20T13:20:00.000+01:00

Frontrunner – potential leaders wanted!

2011-10-18T14:58:00.002+01:00

The University is inviting applications from students to participate in a unique 4-day intensive leadership development programme which will be held in Plymouth in mid-November. The programme is called "Frontrunner" and is offered by our partners "Common Purpose".
The aim of the programme is to bring together students from the UK and China who are keen to develop their leadership skills. We have up to 25 places available for Chinese-national students and up to 25 for UK-national students. The programme runs from November 15-18 inclusive.

You can obtain further details and an application form by e-mailing the Plymouth University Frontrunner team: frontrunner@plymouth.ac.uk
We will provide you with further details and an online application form for a place on the programme.
Applications for places will close on Friday 21 October at 1700hrs.
All applicants will be notified of the result of their application by Friday 28 October at the latest.

Restoration of Stover Canal 16/10/11

2011-10-18T14:48:00.001+01:00

Stover Canal

Our day began at 9 O’clock meeting at Plymouth Train Station for the short journey to Newton Abbot, where we were met by two enthusiastic gentlemen who explained what our day would involve; most of us had no previous knowledge of canals or what the restoration of one would exactly involve.

The day was spent clearing trees, shrubs and other vegetation where the canal once run, 70 odd years ago, and then setting fire to it!! The day was thoroughly enjoyable with the older members of the party showing that they could still keep up with the youth of today, whilst the banter amongst them was great to witness. We all had a great sense of achievement by the end of the day, clearly seeing that we had shifted a substantial amount of timber, having a great workout too. We look forward to returning to the canal soon to continue the work and help restore a little bit of South West history that we can say we were part of.

Volunteers wanted for All Ways Apples

2011-10-14T15:52:00.001+01:00

Anyone interested in volunteering please contact barbara hampson b-m-h@hotmail.co.uk

Volunteer Update October 2011

2011-10-13T11:16:00.002+01:00

Volunteer Hours Running Total for 2011/12 – 500 hours!

Hello and welcome to this the first volunteer update of 2011/12. Firstly thank you to all those who managed to get to our volunteer fair on the 29^th September; we hope you found it useful. Hopefully the organisation/s that you signed up for will have been in contact and you are starting the process of volunteering or you have already started. If you were unable to make the fair or are still looking for a volunteering opportunity we will be running a number of drop-in sessions next week. Please come along and we will do our best to signpost you to appropriate opportunities.

Volunteering Drop-In Sessions

Tuesday 18^th October 1330 – 1530 The Hive, UPSU

Thursday 20^th October 1000 – 1300 The Hive, UPSU

Friday 21^st October 1300 – 1500 The Hive, UPSU

If you are unable to attend one of these sessions please email us to arrange another time.

Learning through Volunteering Module (LTV 001)

As you know volunteering is a valuable activity, and it looks great on your CV and is the kind of thing that employers are looking for. The University is keen to place even greater value on extra-curricular activities such as volunteering by attaching credits to the learning that is achieved. These credits don’t count towards your formal programme but can be counted as additional achievements and will appear on your transcript, so it’s well worth the little extra effort to register and complete the mini-module. The LTV 001 module is worth 5 credits at level 4. This should be equivalent to 50 hours work in total (activity and reflection).

To find out more come to one of the Intro Sessions (30mins max) that we are running on Wednesday 26^th Oct at 1.30, 2.30 and 3.30 in Smeaton 102a, and Wednesday 2^nd Nov at 1.30, 2.30 and 3.30 in RL207. You only need to attend one of the sessions and you will have the opportunity to ask questions, find out about the module and sign up if you are interested.

Helping Hedgehogs

Role: Help hand feed, weigh, clean out and assist with rescued hedgehogs in the Plymouth Locality. Any day of the week, early mornings.

An induction session will be run next week when Linda Squires will visit to talk to those interested in the volunteering opportunity. We publicise date and time through facebook, twitter, the website and via email to all those who have expressed an interest, please email us to be added to the list.

19^th October 1200 – 1700

Moor Trees – ViP Student Led Project

As usual make sure to book a place on the minibus as places go quick. Sign up on the sheet on the volunteer notice board in the Hive, UPSU or email us.

We meet at 1200 outside the Hive (back entrance of the Student Union).

Remember as always to bring waterproofs and suitable footwear (boots or wellies). Wrap Up Warm.

Future dates 26^th October

9^th November

23^rd November

7^th December

14^th December

29^th October

Sustainable Communities – ViP Student Led Project

On 29^th October we will be heading to Landmatters Sustainable Community, Totnes. For those of you that haven't been, Landmatters is a sustainable community that lives off grid and aims to be self-sufficient. More info @ http://www.landmatters.org.uk/

If you would like to receive more information regarding this project email us to be added to the distribution list. Details on how and when you can sign up will emailed and advertised nearer the date.

Future dates- 12^th November

3^rd December
29th October

Rural Stations – ViP Student Led Project

This project involves working with The Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership. The partnership aims to encourage more people to use rural and inner city branch lines, such as the Liskeard to Looe line in Cornwall. Activities throughout the year include cleaning, renovating, gardening and generally beautifying rural and inner city branch lines and stations, and also themed activity days.

Full details for this day are yet to be confirmed, if you would like to receive more information regarding this project email us to be added to the distribution list. Details on how and when you can sign up will emailed nearer the date.

30^th October

ViP Green Team – Slapton Lee

Future events – ViP Green Team – Natural England

31^st October

Barn Owl Trust – ViP Student Led Project

We are off to the Barn Owl Trust. It’s the perfect chance to get outside and get some fresh air in the brain cells, and get a break from your computers!

If you would like to receive more information regarding this project email us to be added to the distribution list. Details on how and when you can sign up will emailed nearer the date.

Future dates 21^st November

3^rd December

Future Events

Movember

Why not grow a Mo and raise some dough! Or sponsor us! All for great causes please see below for more details.

Moustache Season is upon us, so we've decided to register for Movember and embrace the hair of the wild. We've pledged to cultivate a genuine 100% face grown moustache for 30 days to raise awareness and funds for men's health, specifically prostate and testicular cancer. Now, I'm on the hunt for fellow trusty and fearless pioneers to join me by signing up to our team. Together we can change the face of men's health.

To join our Movember team go to https://www.movember.com/uk/register/details/team_id/217434

The more people we can get to become Citizens of Movember, the more lives we can impact. You can either grow a moustache as a Mo Bro, or join as a Mo Sista to show your support and help recruit other Mo growers to the team. Once registered, Movember will send you all the information you need to raise funds and start raising awareness for men's health as part of our Movember team.

If you'd like to find out more about the type of work you'd be helping to fund by supporting Movember, take a look at the Programmes We Fund section on the Movember website: http://uk.movember.com/about

Please join us at https://www.movember.com/uk/register/details/team_id/217434

Please help us spread the word and forward this message onto your friends, colleagues and enemies. Please join our team even if you are not going to grow a MO!

Regards

Team “Movember It UP SUm”

Monkey Sanctuary – ViP Student Led Project – 5^th November, 19^th November, 3^rd December

If you would like to receive more information regarding this project email us to be added to the distribution list. Details on how and when you can sign up will emailed nearer the date.

Have a great time volunteering and please drop in if you need any assistance.

The Volunteer Team

Volunteer

University of Plymouth Students’ Union is a registered charity in England & Wales No. 1143614

P Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail.

Wanted Volunteer Drivers

2011-10-12T12:15:00.000+01:00

The UPSU Volunteering Department is looking for volunteer drivers for projects throughout the academic year. You will need to fulfil the following criteria:

- Age 21 or over
- Have 3 years driving experience

- Hold a clean driving licence

The dates for the courses are

Friday 11th November 2011 (closing date Friday 4th November)
Friday 2nd December 2011 (closing date Friday 25th November)

The course runs all day from 9am-5pm, it is an intense course which involves both theory and practical sessions finishing with tests in both. Candidates must pass both tests in order to become a UPSU approved minibus driver

If you are interested and can commit to driving either on the weekends or during the week please email us to arrange a time to meet.

Green Team @ Sharpham Apple Day - 16th October

2011-10-11T12:41:00.000+01:00

Hello Everyone!

On Sunday 16th October Green Team are heading out to the Sharpham estate near Totnes to participate in their yearly apple day!

We are looking for volunteers to help out with apple related activites from apple pressing to the annual apple olympics! We will also be helping with the general running of the event from car park stewarding to odd jobs in the cafe.

The plan for the day is to take the train to Totnes where we will be picked up by car and driven to Sharpham estate. Dont worry we will cover the cost of the train journey both there and back. We need to arrive by 9:30am, so we will be taking the 8:40am train from Plymouth. To give us time to buy the tickets etc we will meet at Plymouth train station at 8:15am. We are aiming to be back in plymouth by 7pm at the latest.

At the moment i am not 100% sure if we will receive lunch but the likelyhood is that we will, as we did last year and do almost everytime we visit! I will email those of you who sign up at the end of the week to confirm final details. You may wish to still bring drinks and snacks to munch on throughtout the day anyway. There will definately be apples! :o)

Please wear sensible shoes and clothes that you don't mind getting dirty as the Apple olympics and Apple pressing can get quite messy! Also bring waterproofs and a warm jumper just incase.

We attended the event last year and had great fun! The Sharpham estate is a wonderfully beautiful place and the Igomango team are always great to work with. There is already a sign up sheet in the hive so please pop along and sign up! Spaces are limited to 16 people so hurry!

Hope to see you next Sunday!

Thanks

Leanne and Donna
Green Team

Rural Stations Project - 1st October 2011

2011-10-04T21:23:00.001+01:00

Abby hard at work

On Saturday, 1 October 2011, I had the opportunity to join the University of Plymouth Student Union (UPSU) for a day of volunteering. We spent the day working on a gardening project at a small train station between Liskeard and Looe. First, the leaders wanted to make sure I brought along my passport since we were crossing the border into Cornwall. We took the train to Liskeard and instead of joining the rest of the people on the train going to the beach, we piled into cars for the second part of our journey to Sandplace. We spent the morning weeding the garden area next to the train platform, with frequent stops for lunch and tea and cookies. Once we had cleared all the rubbish away, we spent the rest of the afternoon planting bulbs and getting the garden in tip top shape. We caught an afternoon train to Liskeard and then transferred to another train to get back to Plymouth. Overall, I had a really great day. It was nice to be outside doing some work in the sun. I also got to meet a lot of great people and help turn an overgrown patch into a weed free and great looking garden. I hope to do more projects with UPSU and the Rural Stations Project.

Student Volunteers at Sandplace

-Abby Mayer

Volunteer for Respect Festival Parade 2011

2011-10-03T11:49:00.001+01:00

It’s back! Plymouth Racial Equality Council’s prestigious Respect Festival – the largest of its kind in the South West – takes place on Saturday 29th^th and Sunday 30^th October this year. Barefoot – the Plymouth charity that provides creative activities for young people and communities – is looking for volunteers who can help steward the young people’s City Centre parade on the morning of Sunday 30^th.

Respect celebrates the many cultures and ethnicities of Plymouth citizens and brings people together to have fun, so we try to involve as many City schools and communities as possible and have a small budget to fund carnival costume and prop making workshops.

What do Volunteer Stewards do?

· They help assemble the parade, check who is present and make sure everyone has their costume or carnival prop and knows relevant signals and safety procedures.

· During the parade, they walk alongside the participants to prevent collisions between paraders, the public and street furniture and act as ‘extra pairs of eyes’ so any accidents or incidents can be reported and acted upon quickly.

· Sometimes they get to wear a costume or help carry the bigger carnival props!

This year we have a parade theme of Fire and Heat, as one of the key parade supporters is Devon and Cornwall Fire Service, and the parade will also feature Salsa music and dance.

Volunteers will meet at the City Centre Sundial at 9.50am on Sunday 30^th May to be briefed. The parade will gather between 10.00am and 10.15am and start at 10.30am. It will move (slowly) up New George Street, through Drake’s Circus and back down Cornwall Street, then turn left onto Armada Way and end (provisionally) at the Guildhall at approximately 11.00am.

We look forward to working with you.

Richard Marsh (Barefoot, UCP Marjon)

Mt. Edgecumbe Bioblitz ! - 30th September - 1st October

2011-10-03T11:10:00.001+01:00

Mt. Edgecumbe Bioblitz !

Green Team

We had two beautiful days of glorious sunshine and surveying! It all kicked off on Friday with bug hunts and rock pool rambling which led to 200 species being recorded within the first hour. Just after lunch time we were all rewarded with a sighting of a bottlenose dolphin which was just metres away from the beach and swimming closely alongside a small boat. The rockpool ramble continued on into the afternoon with the assistance of primary schools from around the area and some volunteers widened their search of the park looking for more insects and plants to add to the list! Someone sweep netting close the marquee at base camp even found a New Zealand stick insect! Another exciting find as there are only a few populations in the South West of the UK.

5pm brought the arrival of more volunteers from the university! Once all together we headed up to the top of the park and set up camp in a stunning location! We had views over Plymouth and the sea to our right while to the left we had views over the Tamar Valley. Once camp was sorted it was back to the Bioblitz base for a yummy BBQ before the evening surveys began. The evening consisted of bat walks, moth trapping and a Tardigrade survey. Tardigrades are commonly known as ‘water bears’ and are water dwelling microscopic creatures. An expert on the subject had read in a journal that a certain species of Tardigrade which is usually hard to find existed on the scales of Water Slater’s (huge wood lice type animals which live on the beach). We all had a night time hunt of the beach and collected as many Water Slater’s as we could. To our delight the species of Tardigrade was found and added to the species list! By this time it was gone 1am so we had a well- earned beer and headed off to bed ready for the next morning’s shenanigans.

We arose Saturday morning to our beautiful views and headed down to breakfast being sure to keep a watchful eye out on the way for more species to record on our survey sheets. When we were all full of bacon and egg baps the last hours of the Bioblitz began! Some of us participated in a strandline walk searching for marine creatures, others helped with a fish survey and went on an epic mushroom foray! While the rest of the Bioblitzers helped the BTO (British trust of ornithology) with a bird ringing study.

A large net was placed between two trees through an observed bird flight path and bird songs were played to attract the birds to the area. The net was checked every half hour and the birds trapped by the net were weighed and ringed. This was an amazing thing to observe and we were all able to participate in releasing the birds after this was done!

Sadly around 1pm the Bioblitz came to an end. We all handed in our survey sheets to the data desk for processing and made our way towards the ferry back to Plymouth. It was brilliant to be part of such a great event and although it will take a few days before the final species count is realised it was announced that a MASSIVE 700 different species had been recorded at Mt Edgecumbe so far!! AMAZING!

We have a part-time job – do you want it?!

2011-09-27T13:40:00.001+01:00

UPSU Volunteer Department Administrative Assistant

Purpose of Post:

The main aim of this post is to provide administrative support to the Volunteer Department. Working mainly on the updating the existing web-site and developing the pages, as well as providing general admin support.

Part-time 6 hours per week – times to be arranged

Duties

Update and maintain the UPSU Volunteer web pages
Maintain all volunteer records in accordance with UPSU policies

Person Specification

• Working knowledge of web-sites and how to maintain update and develop the existing volunteer web-site. (Essential)
• Good organisational skills.
• Ability to work unsupervised at times.
• Knowledge of databases. (Desirable)
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Good sense of humour!

Email volunteer@su.plymouth.ac.uk for an application form and job description or pick one up from reception or in the Volunteer Office – from 26th September.

We have a part-time job – do you want it?!

Volunteer Fair 2011

2011-09-23T13:14:00.001+01:00