The Colchester Countryside Volunteer Rangers (CCVR) is the Park's Friends group.
Its members represent a wide cross section of the local community ranging from students to the retired, school teachers, health-care workers, professionals and those registered as disabled. They patrol, assist with events, carry out estate management, lead health walks, deal with visitor enquiries and provide front-of-house services at High Woods Country Park and other countryside sites looked after by the Countryside Team.
Under the aegis of their own management committee the CCVR is consulted on management issues and the Chair of the committee attends the monthly staff meetings.
Volunteer applications can be made throughout the year, and we run up to four one day training events depending on numbers. The group is thriving with a current membership of sixty five. Find out how to get involved by visiting highwoodsvolunteers.org.uk for more information.
Health Walk Leader: We have been running health walks since 2000. These short, brisk walks are a great form of low impact exercise, suitable for most people's abilities. On average, about 20 people attend each walk, all with various health needs. Volunteers are needed to help lead these walks and motivate walkers. The Sunday walks tend to be more of an informal stroll around the Park. All volunteers receive full training, at no cost. We need people on Sundays and Fridays - at High Woods Country Park, 11am - 12.30pm. The tea, biscuits and chat afterwards seem to be a very popular part of the activity! Find out volunteering at High Woods County Park.
The Park Rangers are based in Castle Park where duties include security, walks and tours, educational activities, landscape design, small scale repair and improvement, community projects, health and safety, special events, and wildlife. Castle Park is an award winning attraction that welcomes over 1 million people every year, so there is never a dull moment! Find out more about volunteering in Castle Park.
Why not spend a day, weekend or even longer improving your environment? You could be working in a nature reserve, coppicing woodlands for wildlife or improve access on rights of way. There is room for volunteers to become involved at all levels, whether you just want to turn up on the day or help plan and lead the tasks, all are welcome. You'll get free on the job training and will meet new people at a range of interesting sites and you'll be using your time to help create a better environment. For information on volunteering with TCV telephone 01206 764470 or visit the Conservation Volunteers website.
New Town Community Garden
A brand new space for people of all ages to enjoy, the garden will be in the heart of New Town in the Recreation Ground. The design has been devised by local residents, to include:
Want to get involved? Find out more about New Town Community Garden. This project is supported by Colchester Borough Council and TCV.
Community 360 aims to bring together and assist the efforts of voluntary organisations and to link voluntary and statutory bodies and co-ordinate community effort.