Central Park Volunteering

Background

The Green Communities Project is a partnership project between Plymouth City Council and the National Trust. We are working in 3 key areas of the city, Devonport, Keyham and Central Park, aiming to connect people to nature and work with local people to look after our local green spaces.

As a part of our ongoing work in Central Park, we have discovered the want for more volunteering opportunities. There are always jobs to do in Central Park, and your help is greatly appreciated! This will to help us manage and maintain the beds and foliage, and ensure the park is a fun and safe place for people and for nature

We are hosting some volunteering events in the Central Park over the next few months to help out community groups and understand what you would like to help with within the park!

Due to the use of dangerous tools we ask that any children are over the age of 13, and anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. All abilities welcome, no experience required. We hope to see you there!

Session plans so far:

June - Helping Central Park allotments with some site maintenance, including path and bramble cleaning and helping new allotment holders get their plots ready!

July - Fixing the orienteering posts in Central Park in collaboration with Devon Orienteering. Digging holes and installing new posts!

August - Working with Wise Roots to prepare ground for planting an edible hedgerow in Autumn in Zoo Field. This is part of an exciting project to bring some new life into Zoo Field. We will also be looking at the fencing around the swale, opposite the back or Argyle, giving this some TLC.

September - Helping Swarthmore allotments with hedgerow aftercare

October - Granite set and flower bed maintenance with the Gardeners

November - Orchard pruning around Central Park. Help us visit the 5 orchards around Central Park to give them a winter prune. No experience needed, we will teach you everything you need to know!

Session Agenda

• Please arrive for a 11am start, let us know if you are running late or unable to attend.
• 11:00- Meet at the Clock Tower for introductions and health and safety briefing
• 11:15- Practical volunteering in Central Park, see activity plans above
• 12:30- Lunch break. Teas and coffees provided
• 13:00- Continue practical volunteering
• 14:00- Tools down and debrief.

What you need to bring

• Wet weather gear
• Sun protection
• Sturdy shoes you don't mind getting wet and muddy
• Lunch (please note the meadow café is card only if you wish to buy your lunch on site)
• Water bottle

What we will provide

• Tools and resources needed for works
• Personal protective equipment including gloves, hard hats and high vis vests
• Teas, coffees and biscuits!

Cancellation

In the event of a severe weather warning, this event may not go ahead. We will email you at the earliest convenience if the event is cancelled.

Please let us know if you have booked a space but can no longer attend the session so we can fill your space!

Facilities

• Closest toilets - The Meadow Café or the Life Centre
• Closest water station- Outside the meadow café
• Bus stops- the 10, 11, 12, 16, 34, 43 and 61 will all take you to one of the bus stops around the park. Please see Plymouth City Bus website for more information regarding bus timetables Timetables & Maps - Plymouth Bus
• Car parking - The Life Centre car park and the Argyle Park and Ride are both long stay and free to use.

If you have any questions about the event or would like more information, please email jess.jordan@nationaltrust.org.uk