The nature reserve at The Carrs in Pity Me is an excellent local facility for walking in the heart of Pity Me and Framwellgate Moor, and provides habitats for wildlife and flora, including great crested newts.

I have arranged with the Council for a clearing day where we will clear out gorse and willow which is drying out the wetland areas of the reserve.

This will be on Wed 1st December starting at around 9.15am and running through to 3pm, though you can come along any time you like.

You will need wellies or good boots and warm outdoor clothing including waterproofs if the weather is poor, gloves also useful.

The site is currently benefiting from improvements thanks to new reed beds as part of the development on the old County Council Depot site, and by reducing some of the invasive plants and introducing plants such as heather we will be able to keep the site in excellent condition and ensure that the wetlands areas are protected.

There are plenty of wildlife species to view on the ponds and around the site, and the day will give you an opportunity to talk to other volunteers and Council ecology officers.

For more information please get in touch. We will be meeting at the bottom of Bishops Way at 9.15am, and can be found around the site after this, just come along and join in!

This is the information for volunteers from the Council:

INFORMATION FOR NEW VOLUNTEERS
(WORK PARTIES)

Important: Please ensure that you bring the following items with you to all work parties:

• A packed lunch and refreshments
• Warm clothing which you don’t mind getting dirty
• A waterproof jacket / overtrousers (if you have them)
• Strong outdoor footwear, preferably boots or wellies (steel toe-capped footwear if possible)

On the day:
• Volunteers should arrive on site and be ready to start work at 9.45am. Most volunteers start to arrive from 9.15am onwards.
• On your arrival please ensure that you speak to a member of staff to inform them that you are a new volunteer and it is your first time attending a work party. You will then be introduced to other staff and volunteers.
• At the start of the work party you will be given a brief introduction to the site and the job you will be undertaking that day.
• A tool / health & safety talk will also be given. After listening to, and understanding the talk, you will be asked to sign a register to show this.
• You will then start work under the guidance of experienced volunteers.
• We usually break for lunch at around 12pm, taking approximately 30 minutes. However, if you fancy a cup of tea at any time you are welcome to take a break – everyone is encouraged to work at their own pace.
• Work parties usually finish by 3pm, although they can finish slightly earlier or later depending on the task.
• All training is given ‘on the job’ and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is provided when necessary e.g. hardhats, gloves, ear-defenders etc.

Work parties provide an opportunity to meet new people, have an enjoyable time and to do something constructive for the countryside of County Durham. Please come along and join us soon.