Bristol TCV Diploma group has recently been working with South Gloucestershire Council to help maintain local green spaces. During this time of year pond clearance has been one of our main tasks and I have been told the Council to drum up some local residents and community group to get stuck in as well.
One such pond was in Frampton Cotterell where TCV & some local residents all mucked in to clear the local village pond. The pond was becoming clogged with Canadian Pondweed, an invasive plant which grows quickly and out competes native species. By clearing it at this time of year the pond will have time to settle down before the fish, amphibians and ducks start their breeding season. On the day we even had a South Gloucestershire councillor get his waders on and get stuck in. Overall, the day was a great success and shows how TCV can work so well getting a variety of people together to help protect their local green spaces.
In the coming months we will be doing the same with a Big Tree Plant mixing both the Diploma Group, South Gloucestershire Council Employees and local residents. Increasing local community involvement with our Diploma Group task days is something TCV Bristol is trying to increase in the area and consequently promoting the great work TCV does!
http://www.villageaction.org.uk/village-action-noticeboard/parkfarmpondclearance