Practical Conservation Groups
The Practical Conservation Groups carry out essential habitat management tasks for the benefit of local wildlife. Tasks are usually dependent on the season, but most include coppicing, scrub clearance and fencing or walling in the winter and grassland management, some surveying and path maintenance during spring and summer.
You don’t need any experience to join in as training will be given, however you do need suitable clothing, to be reasonably physically fit and enjoy being outside in all weathers! Groups operate all over Somerset on SWT reserves, but some also support other organisations such as the RSPB and Natural England.
Below is a list of groups that are run by, or work closely with the Somerset Wildlife Trust.
If you would like to take part, please contact the group directly
Mendip Hills Conservation Volunteers PROGRAMME
Contact: Chris Billinghurst 01761 221579
Area: Mendip Hills, SWT reserves
When: Every other Wednesday
East Mendip Conservation Volunteers PROGRAMME
Contact: Mick Ridgard 01373 463875
Area: Shepton Mallet and area, SWT reserves
When: 1st Sunday of the month
Contact: Anne & Norman Lees 01278 641521
Area: Somerset Levels and Moors
When: Every other Sunday
Taunton Mid-Week Conservation Volunteers PROGRAMME
Contact: Margaret Palmer 01823 337570
Area: Taunton Deane and West Somerset
When: Alternate Thursdays
West Somerset Conservation Volunteers PROGRAMME
Contact: John Dixon 01643 703654
Area: West Somerset reserves
When: Alternate Fridays
Contact: Caroline or Jilly 01823 680846
Area: Blackdown Hills
When: 2nd Wednesday of month or more
Peat Moors Conservation Volunteers
Contact: Alan Brown 01458 223067
Area: Somerset Levels, SWT reserves
When: Thursdays **this group is currently full**
East Poldens Conservation Volunteers PROGRAMME
Contact: Mark Green 01823 652408
Area: South Somerset SWT Reserves
When: 1st Sunday and 3rd Thursday every month
OTHER GROUPS
Contact: Patrick Watts-Mabbott 01398 323665
Area: Exmoor
When: Monday’s plus other dates
British Trust for Conservation Volunteers
Contact: Paul Sherriff 01935 415 255
Area: Yeovil
When: Wednesdays ()
Shapwick Heath Green Team (Natural England)
Contact: Simon Clarke 01458 860120
Area: Somerset Levels
When: Thursdays and some Sunday’s in winter
Swain’s Lane Nature Reserve Volunteers
Contact: John Morton 01823 661996
Area: Wellington
When: ad hoc group managing and supporting this nature reserve
Exmoor Natural History Society Work Group
Contact: Janet Dixon 01643 703654
Area: Exmoor
Butterfly Conservation Work Parties
Contact: Caroline Kelly 01929 406028 ()
Area: Levels & Poldens
