• What is Earthworks ?
Earthworks is a volunteer group of ordinary people who meet every 3 or 4 weeks to carry out practical conservation work. It’s a mixed group of men & women who regularly attend, but we are always on the lookout for new members. Earthworks is affiliated to the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV).

• What sort of conservation tasks do Earthworks do and where are they ?
The type of work we do is varied and depends on the site itself and the time of year. Constructional tasks like building boardwalks or stiles tend to dominate during the summer months, with more traditional crafts like hedgelaying and coppicing in the winter months. Earthworks has several regular sites where we work, but we do try to vary each new task programme with one or two new ones. The group also meets up socially from time to time. Though most events are in Hillingdon and Buckinghamshire, we do have outings further afield a couple of times a year. See our Task Archive for examples. Some sites are managed by national organisations, for example the RSPB or the Woodland Trust.

• Why should I be interested ?
Here’s a quote from one of our most recent volunteers, Viv: “I've always had a lifelong interest in the environment, countryside and wildlife but have never done anything positive about it until now. A chance meeting at a Conservation Fair with members of a group called Earthworks changed all that. I now spend one Saturday per month with like-minded people carrying out various tasks, which we all hope will make a difference. I can honestly say I return home at the end of a day's task with a sense of having achieved something really worthwhile and the fresh air certainly blows the cobwebs away". Reason enough, surely?

• What day and time do Earthworks meet ?
The vast majority of our tasks are on Saturdays. We usually meet on site at 10am and work until around 4pm (weather permitting), with lunch around midday. See our latest Events Programme for details of dates and venues.

• What clothes do I need ?
Just old ones! A thick coat or boiler suit is advisable in winter. Shorts can be worn in summer, though nettles and brambles can be difficult to avoid on some sites! Strong boots are also useful, but wellingtons or old trainers will do for most tasks.

• What else do I need to bring ?
You will need to bring a packed lunch and something to drink; also sunblock/insect repellant in summer. There is no need for you to bring tools. Earthworks has a good selection that are shared on each task. Even gloves are provided, though you will need to provide your own eye protection.

• Do I need any specialist skills or knowledge ?
No! - Most of us started with very few skills. There is always someone on hand to explain why what you’re doing is worthwhile, and to help show you the best and safest way to carry it out. You work entirely at your own pace – we’re all doing it purely for enjoyment so there’s no pressure!

• How do I get involved ?
Take a look at the latest Events Programme, pick one you'd like to come to and click the email link. If you'd like to talk to the task contact, please leave a phone number in your message and he or she will call you for a chat. Once you're happy, don't forget to put the task date in your diary or you might miss all the fun!

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