Earlier this summer, the Steel Valley Project welcomed a new Environmental Project Officer, Andy Kearsey, to the team.
Andy used to run his own land management business in North Devon and, also previously worked at Natural England, The RSPB, Devon Wildlife Trust and Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire Wildlife Trust. Through this work, he’s gained lots of experience in countryside management and wildlife conservation, along with many associated technical qualifications.
Part of his role here at the Steel Valley Project includes looking after the Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday volunteer teams, helping people to explore volunteering and make a difference in the local area. Andy is one of the people you’ll speak with when you first get in touch with us and, once on board, he’s there to give support, advice, training and supervision to help build your knowledge and understanding in the countryside.
The type of projects Andy’s been working on since joining the Steel Valley Project include dry stone walling, meadow management, hedgelaying, planting a new bog garden, tree felling, improving paths and bridleways (eg. repairing steps, installing new gates) and strimming to help keep public rights of way clear.
To help with current and future projects, we’re currently looking for new people of all ages and backgrounds to join the Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday teams of volunteers. No experience is necessary and whether you’re looking to develop your experience towards a career in countryside management or just wanting to get out and make a difference in your local area, we’re here to help.
All we ask for is a willingness to get stuck in and a commitment to a regular day per week. We’ll provide all the guidance, support and any protective equipment needed.
Our volunteer teams are known for their supportive and friendly atmospheres in which people can learn and enjoy being outdoors. If that sounds like something you’d enjoy, contact us to arrange a friendly chat over a cup of tea where you can find out more. After that, we invite you to come along on a no obligation/no commitment ‘taster day’ so that you can see first-hand what volunteering with us is all about.
For more information, please contact us on 0114 283 0880 or email info@steelvalleyproject.org
In the meantime, if you see Andy or any of the team working in your area, go and say hello. Even better, get in touch and give volunteering a try!
Click through the images below to see examples of the projects which Andy’s volunteer teams have been working on recently:
The Steel Valley Project is a registered charity and has been working in the Stocksbridge and Upper Don Valley area for nearly 30 years.