8.1 Introdution to practical conservation

Your green space could contain a wide variety of habitats. These could include woodland, hedges and ponds to name but a few. For examples, directions and ideas on how to create these habitats, you can look at "Wildlife Gardening" a practical handbook by Fran Hill. This will give details on creating meadows and butterfly gardens amongst others. BTCV (see address below) has many publications on practical conservation which a green space group will also find useful. They also run volunteer teams that can be contracted to undertake site work

To obtain copies of ‘Wildlife Gardening’ contact:

Other useful publications on managing habitats are

‘Managing Habitats for Conservation’ (1995) Ed.William J. Sutherland and David A. Hill, Cambridge University Press. ISBN 0521 447763

The Sheffield Wildlife Trust has a sites team, which carry out habitat surveys and practical conservation work throughout Sheffield. They will point you in the right direction about habitat creation projects and may be able to assist with practical work. They are part of a Government project to provide training for people aiming for a career in conservation.

More information about their role can be provided by:

or

The British Trust for Conservation Volunteers is involved with practical conservation work and practical countryside skills. They arrange work parties, provide training, and give practical support and advice to volunteer groups and community organisations. They have a mid week volunteer programme in which anyone can participate and also organise conservation working holidays. Contact:

Sheffield Conservation Volunteers is an independent organisation, affiliated to BTCV that undertakes practical conservation projects every weekend and also organise the occasional residential weekend. Contact

Information about garden accessories, seeds, plants, shrubs, trees, and equipment such as mowers, rotivators, spades, and other tools can be obtained from your local garden centre. Large B & Qs often supply tools to groups as each store has a small environmental budget. They can only help a few groups so don’t be disappointed if they are unable to help. It may be worthwhile getting in touch with other local groups to see if you can share tools.