Hello and welcome to my first blog post…
My name is Richard Saunders and I’m the new Environmental Project Officer for the Steel Valley Project, but don’t worry it’s not all as formal as it sounds.
I’m here to help people like you explore volunteering and to make a difference in the local area. We focus our work mainly around the Stocksbridge and Upper Don Valley area.
But first a bit about me… I’m a local lad, I grew up in Wharncliffe Side and Oughtibridge and spent loads of time as a youngster climbing trees and building dens whilst exploring the woodlands and parks of the area. I suppose I never really grew out of it as, after a bit of a mixture of jobs, I managed to get work as a Ranger. In fact, I spent the next 10 years working all over Sheffield!
The Steel Valley Project is a registered charity and has been working in the valley for nearly 30 years. Looking forward, I’m now working as part of the Steel Valley Project team to encourage everyone to don their wellies and bobble hats and to get outdoors.
We provide support, advice, training and supervision to help you volunteer and to build your knowledge and understanding of working in the countryside. Whether you’re looking to develop your experience towards a career, or just looking to get out and explore your local area and make a difference, we here to help.
Projects we’ve recently been working on include tree planting, improving paths and bridleways, tree felling, dry stone walling and meadow management. Our regular volunteer teams provide a supportive and friendly atmosphere in which to learn and enjoy being outdoors.
We’re looking for people of all ages and backgrounds to join our volunteer teams – no experience is necessary. All we ask for is a willingness to get stuck in and not mind getting your hands mucky. We’ll provide all guidance, support and any protective equipment needed.
We offer volunteer opportunities every weekday meeting locally right here in Stocksbridge. If you would like more information, please contact us on 0114 283 0880 or email info@steelvalleyproject.org
Once you contact us, our first step is to sit down over a cup of tea for a friendly chat and discuss what we can offer you. After that, we invite you to come out for a ‘taster day’ so you get to see first-hand what we are about and how we work with no obligation to any commitment.
So if you see me or any of the team working in your area, come and say hello or even better get in touch to come along and give it a try!
