GreenPrints

Reporting the outcomes of an innovative three-year funding programme to enable 16-25 year old volunteers to improve green spaces.

Contents
Introduction Programme overview Funding partners SITA Trust and v Delivery partners BTCV and The Wildlife Trusts Media partner BBC The mentoring approach The application process Youth assessment panel Colins story Geographical reach of the programme Flagship project case study West Bowling Youth Initiative Practical improvements Toms story Case study Brook Youth Centre Case study Echoes of Blackburn Meadows Volunteer progression Case study Lavender Pond Volunteer feedback Funded projects Flagships What our mentors said 3 4 6 8 9 10 12 14 14 15 16 18 19 20 22 23 24 25 26 27

GreenPrints

Introduction
The GreenPrints youth volunteering programme emerged from a series of overlapping opportunities: In March 2005, A national framework for youth action and engagement was published by the Russell Commission and with this, government policy was created to address the need for the provision of meaningful volunteering experiences for young people. Nearly a decade after the creation of the Landfill Communities Fund, distributive environmental bodies such as SITA Trust were, for the first time, permitted to provide funding support for projects that encompassed youth volunteering. SITA Trust began exploring ways to create a funding programme to meet this new opportunity. With a focus on community green space creation and improvement, SITA Trust identified BTCV and The Wildlife Trusts as delivery partners to provide the necessary expertise and infrastructure required to ensure quality environmental volunteering experiences for young people. Around the same time v was formed as an independent youth volunteering charity using an innovative new model which allowed funds raised from the private sector to be matched by the Government. It seemed a mutually logical step for v to become a funding partner with SITA Trust. With funding and delivery mechanisms in place the GreenPrints partnership and programme were created. In order to give the programme the widest possible reach to young people the BBC joined the partnership as media partner, giving the programme and its applicants invaluable exposure through its Breathing Places campaign. The partnership organisations, using their differing expertise, offered a new and different approach to providing funded youth volunteering opportunities. Young people were saying that the environment was one of the top five issues that concerned them, both at a local and global level (1). However research by the Russell Commission found that traditional volunteering had a poor image amongst young people, with attempts to make it seem cool being counter-productive. The Commission identified a clear need for programmes in which young people were allowed to take the lead and reach out to their peers (2). GreenPrints was designed so that youth ownership of overall project planning and delivery was paramount. Mentors were identified and provided to offer support to young people in creating their own programme of works and to offer skills training. Furthermore a panel of young people with volunteering experience was invited to help assess applications for funding before they were submitted to the SITA Trust Board for review and potential approval. In this way GreenPrints used the expertise of five leading national organisations to encourage 16 to 25 year olds to volunteer their time and energy to improving green spaces in their local communities.

programme The GreenPrints ain outcomes: targeted four m

eir ople devising th nefit: Young pe skills and Individual be , learning new teering projects own volun achievements. out their visible b feeling good a benefit: Publicly environmental d life, Community an proved for wild reen spaces im accessible g eople. nefits for local p with spin-off be oples ition: Young pe on and recogn Celebrati d communities environment an through contribution to cal events and both through lo . celebrated ces Campaign s Breathing Pla the BBC seek encouraged to ion: Participants their Progress ortunities once lunteering opp out further vo mpleted. project was co 0 young More than 6,50 e to The result was: nteered their tim ly aged 16-25 volu people aces. Collective lands green sp improve Eng d in over 20,000 teers participate n GreenPrints volu pportunities. volunteering o

(1) Young Peoples Passions survey of 16-25 year olds, v, June 2007 (2) A National Framework for Youth Action and Engagement, The Russell Commission, March 2005

GreenPrints

GreenPrints Programme manager Pete (right) with two youth volunteers

Programme overview
There were two types of project in the GreenPrints programme; Events and Flagships.
Events were one or two day conservation projects that enabled young people to simply sign up, turn up and take part in interesting and meaningful environmental volunteering. These events were created and run by experienced providers and were aimed at giving young people a flavour of what it is like to be a GreenPrints volunteer. A typical cost of an event was in the order of 500 per day. As a result of attending these events many young people went on to develop longer flagship projects.

Events
Over the course of the three-year programme SITA Trust received 790 Event project applications. 736 applications (93%) were found to be compliant and were subsequently supported. The main reasons for rejection of Event applications were:

Project sites did not meet the Landfill

Communities Fund (LCF) requirement for unrestricted public access Projects involved volunteering that did not result in bringing about practical improvements to a public green space i.e. awareness raising or educational activities Projects planned to involve an insufficient number of young volunteers to be considered good value for money. Of the 736 Event projects that were approved 679 (92%) went on to be delivered. The remaining 57 projects were cancelled for reasons which included severe weather, withdrawal/cancellation by a youth group and illness of delivery staff.

Projects created general volunteering

opportunities rather than those that focused on engaging young people aged 16-25

Dominic Higgins of BTCV said:

As a result of Events over 3000 young people made a positive impact on their local environments. Well over half of them went on to participate in Flagships. This demonstrates the value of giving young people a taste of practical action over 1 or 2 days. The Events laid the foundations for sustained involvement in youth-led initiatives.
4 GreenPrints

Events
517,025.32
Total funded

679

Projects fund ed

PHOTO: Jeni Nott

Flagships
Flagships were longer term projects led by young people with support from GreenPrints in the form of mentors and up to 10,000 in funding. The Flagships scheme challenged young people to spend up to twelve months working on projects that would have significant environmental benefit. Whilst the GreenPrints fund was accessible to all young people aged 16-25 we were keen to involve those that were under-represented in environmental volunteering. We were aware that these

young people, by definition, would not readily respond to a standard open funding opportunity, so mentors worked through local youth networks to identify and bring together groups who were willing and able to respond to the Flagship challenge. Over the course of the three-year programme 191 stage one Flagship application forms were received (see page 13 for explanation of stages). Of the stage one applications received, 142 (74%) were considered eligible. Groups were subsequently assigned a mentor and invited to submit a stage two application. 122 stage two applications were received by SITA Trust.

103 of those applications were awarded GreenPrints Flagship funding representing an 84% success rate. The high success rate for applications moving to stage two demonstrates the value of providing applicants with mentor support at this early stage. Projects which were found to be unsuitable for GreenPrints funding were spared having to complete a full application form. Conversely, projects which were deemed suitable at stage one stood a good chance of securing funding. Of the 103 Flagship projects that were supported 89 went on to be delivered. The remaining 14 were cancelled for various reasons including:

Change in land ownership or land Pete Sessions GreenPrints Programme Manager at SITA Trust said:
security resulted in accessibility being too restricted to be LCF compliant Applicant organisations closed down or changed strategy Unable to stimulate sufficient interest from young people Failure to secure required permissions to carry out the project.

Flagship projects had to deliver improvements to a green space that were beneficial and accessible to the community as a whole. The variety of funded projects was extensive and ranged from specialised habitat improvement for wildlife to clearing and planting up derelict spaces in some of Englands most populated urban areas.

Young volunteers take a break from their GreenPrints project to create a green space.

Flagships
ed Projects fund

89

Total funded

715,133.41
GreenPrints 5

Funding partners
SITA Trust and v each committed 1 million to the GreenPrints programme. In addition SITA Trust used its grant giving experience to oversee the assessment and decision-making process, grant management and overall programme co-ordination.

GreenPrints

SITA Trust is an ethical funding organisation dedicated to making lasting improvements to the natural environment and community life. The Trust is a not for profit company, a registered and accredited environmental body that operates under the Landfill Communities Fund distributing funds donated by the recycling and resource company SITA UK. Since The Trust opened its funding programmes in 1997 it has committed in excess of 74 million to over 2000 projects. A challenge was set by Government to use Landfill Communities Funds for the support of youth volunteering. SITA Trust quickly rose to that challenge by creating the GreenPrints programme with new funding partner v and some of the nations leading environmental charities. This report documents the many and varied projects that the programme funded during the three years of its life. However, perhaps no report can fully

describe the emotion and energy involved in the projects. Young people that have been motivated to deliver projects of their own design are a force to be reckoned with and we are immensely proud to have been able to support them. From SITA Trusts background in providing funding for community improvement and biodiversity conservation projects we had much evidence that projects that involve the community at the design and implementation stages are far more likely to be sustained for the long term. Feedback from the many not-forprofit organisations we have supported convinced us that young people in the 16-25 year old age group were not only willing to help but were keen and able volunteers with much to offer their locale. During the creation of our new young peoples volunteering programme we identified potential partners that not only exemplified good practice in volunteering within the environmental arena but also were working to provide meaningful opportunities with which young people could engage. True to this description

our delivery partners, BTCV and the Wildlife Trusts, ensured that the young volunteers were effectively mentored and that the projects were undertaken safely. They deserve special recognition for their contribution to the success of the programme. Our funding partner v brought the very latest research on the needs of young people to the table as well as doubling the size of the fund. We also owe thanks to our donor, SITA UK, whose support and financial commitment made the programme possible. Most of all, we express our admiration for the designers and deliverers of the projects the young volunteers.

Marek Gordon, Chairman, SITA Trust www.sitatrust.org.uk

v, The National Young Volunteers Service, aims to revolutionise volunteering and social action amongst 16-25 year olds. v was launched in May 2006 and is already changing the landscape inspiring young people who have never volunteered before, and supporting the creation of 100,000s of exciting volunteering opportunities across England. v works with over 500 voluntary and community organisations throughout the country, providing funding and support to harness the incredible talents and energy of young people. We believe in showcasing the best of the nations youth and challenging the often negative portrayal of young people.

At v we encourage youth-led action and believe that young people can change things for the better. Thats why we have a 20 strong youth advisory board called v20 who are helping us to shape the future of volunteering. We have a great recipe for success a team of enthusiastic and creative staff, the brilliant v20 and eager and willing volunteers. And fantastic partners like SITA Trust! By bringing volunteering directly to young people and providing them with opportunities that interest and excite them, weve created over 960,000 new volunteering and social action opportunities across England. v is really delighted to have funded such an exciting programme as GreenPrints. From our research, we know the environment is an issue young people care passionately about. GreenPrints has

enabled lots of young people to have a leading role improving green spaces in their communities. In turn, young people have been able to demonstrate their positive contribution to their local community, challenging some of the negative stereotypes that are so often used to represent them. v has a long standing relationship with SITA Trust and the partnership has gone from strength to strength. We were delighted to be a partner funder with SITA Trust in the GreenPrints programme.

Terry Ryall, CEO, v www.vinspired.com

GreenPrints

ry partners Delive

Wildlife Trusts rs BTCV and The e As delivery partn treach and mit: Develop ou g re ng that had the followin g people, ensuri ps of youn d that entoring to grou m are included, an ung people ard to reach yo h onmental c, of good envir is realisti elivery of project planning pport practical d inable. Su quality and susta results. ng good quality projects, ensuri

Inspiring People, Improving Places. BTCV is the UKs leading practical conservation charity. BTCV connects people with place, builds healthy, sustainable communities, and increases peoples life skills. It aims to create a better environment where people from all cultures feel valued, included and involved. BTCV works with 140,000 volunteers, supporting them to take hands-on action to improve their urban and rural environments. We offer regular conservation tasks, UK and International conservation holidays, the BTCV Green Gym, training opportunities and an online shop making products and services accessible to all. Three years ago, BTCV set out on an exciting partnership with SITA Trust. GreenPrints was a fantastic concept: an offer of environmental taster Events, followed by an opportunity for young people to lead on the design and delivery of year-long Flagship projects, with a grant of up to 10,000. From the very

start, we were delighted to commit to this venture wholeheartedly. We did this in several ways: through our experienced project delivery staff on the ground, through dedicated mentors to give their expertise and support to the Flagship projects and through the National Programme Management team who made it all come together. And how right we were to do it. The outcomes have been incredible: thousands of young people taking action to protect their local environment many for the first ever time. Progression into work, training and education, countless spaces improved and preserved for future generations to enjoy. The list goes on. I am immensely proud of BTCVs contribution to making GreenPrints the success it has been. We rose to the challenge of meeting the ambitious targets and went way beyond the goals we set ourselves spectacularly! I would like to take this opportunity to thank my staff, who worked together with the young participants to create so many challenging and enjoyable activities. I also would like to pay tribute to v and SITA Trust, whose vision and funding meant

that we could fully commit our time and resources to GreenPrints. While we measure the community, environmental and personal impacts of GreenPrints, we must also remember to celebrate them. It is often too easy to forget to stop and reflect on our own achievements. So, congratulations and thank you to all the young volunteers that participated you have made a huge difference to the environment, the people who enjoy it and yourselves. BTCV exists to create a more sustainable future by inspiring people and improving places. You have done this and so much more we are proud to be associated with you and GreenPrints.

Tom Flood, CEO, BTCV www.btcv.org

GreenPrints

There are 47 Wildlife Trusts across the whole of the UK, the Isle of Man and Alderney. We are working for an environment rich in wildlife for everyone. With more than 800,000 members, we are the largest UK voluntary organisation dedicated to conserving the full range of the UKs habitats and species, whether in the country, in cities or at sea. 50,000 of our members belong to our junior branch, Wildlife Watch. We manage 2,300 nature reserves covering more than 90,000 hectares; we stand up for wildlife; we inspire people about the natural world and we foster sustainable living.

The Wildlife Trusts were delighted to work in partnership with SITA Trust and v to take an active role within the GreenPrints funding programme, by offering support and practical expertise to the 16-25 year olds involved. This innovative scheme encouraged many more young people to get involved with volunteering. It has contributed to their personal development and, with the help of the funds provided, encouraged communities across England to take ownership of their local green spaces and make a great difference by delivering real environmental benefits. This kind of community involvement is a key element in achieving The Wildlife Trusts vision

of a Living Landscape, where our whole landscape is restored for the benefit of wildlife and people.

Stephanie Hilborne OBE, CEO, The Wildlife Trusts www.wildlifetrusts.org

Media partner
Launched in 2005 the BBC Breathing Places campaign brings together inspirational broadcasting, mass audiences and partner events and activities to make a difference for British Wildlife. The BBC Breathing Places campaign was a media partner in the programme and committed to feature GreenPrints in local radio and TV programming. This coverage focused on case studies of inspirational, youth led projects which GreenPrints has funded and nurtured. www.bbc.co.uk/breathingplaces

GreenPrints

The mentoring approach

Alongside assisting groups who had entered the GreenPrints application process through the open application route, mentors were also expected to identify groups of young people and support them over a period of up to twelve months to achieve the aims of the Flagships scheme of the GreenPrints programme.

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GreenPrints

The term mentor means different things to different people, and often refers to people acting as a counsellor or adviser. For GreenPrints, as well as counselling and advising, the role encompassed a range of tasks and skills, including

Outreach Project Planning Applying for funding Project management Group and Volunteer management Progression
Underpinning all of this was a requirement to actively involve young volunteers in all of the above, and to support them through what was likely to be a challenging experience for many of them. It is for this reason that GreenPrints chose to use the term mentor to describe the role.

Two mentors per English region were selected to create a mentor pool of eighteen people. Mentors were drawn from both BTCV and the Wildlife Trusts, and developed as a team, training together, networking to share good practice, and sharing the workload within each region. When they were not working with GreenPrints flagships, mentors continued to work on other tasks and projects with their local BTCV and Wildlife Trusts colleagues. They were employed and managed locally but were accountable for their mentoring performance to the GreenPrints Programme Management Group. Mentors were able to provide up to five days support for young people undertaking a Flagship project. This

started with advice on completing the application process and continued through the delivery phase, right up until final reporting was completed. Although five days was the guide, the mentors were able to tailor their support so that those that needed more, were given it. In the end, the majority of Flagship projects needed around three days. Finally, with sustainability being at the heart of the programme, they were able to direct applicants to new sources of funding and ensure that the work on site was of the highest quality. Mentors not only supported the projects to conclusion, but also ensured that the space would be of benefit to the local communities, wildlife and natural habitat for years to come.

Mentor Support
hip completed The GreenPrints Flags ject leaders to rate project report asked pro y received during the level of support the t. Project leaders the life of their projec ch type of support were asked to rate ea following scale: from 1 to 5 using the 5 = very satisfactory 4 = good 3 = satisfactory 2 = unsatisfactory 1 = poor nd 46% of projects 41 project leaders (arou swers to the delivered) supplied an summarised show questions which, when the following results:

pport/help How good was the su of your project provided during the life entor? from the GreenPrints m very satisfactory 49%

good 20%

satisfactory 24%

unsatisfactory 7%

GreenPrints

11

The application process

Potential applicants were invited to contact SITA Trust in the first instance to discuss their ideas. Once an expression of in terest was submitted, a mentor would be assigne d to the applicant to assist in developing the id ea into a project plan.

Advice was also offered on the full application process. There was no guarantee of success at this stage, as applications had to meet the criteria set out by the Landfill Communities Fund and by v. Because of this, mentors ensured that project planning also considered how the group would deal with a possible failed application, and what other volunteering opportunities may exist for participants, whether as individuals or as a group. All applicants were given support from a Fund Manager (FM) within the SITA Trust team. The FM was responsible for overseeing the project for SITA Trust from the first expression of interest to the completion of the project. SITA Trusts team were able to offer support on all sorts of issues from unexpected delays in project timescales through how to organise publicity for the project to how to make a claim for funds.

How good was the su pport/help provided during the life of your project from the SITA Trust Fund Manager?

very satisfactory 63%

good 27%

satisfactory 7%

unsatisfactory 3%

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GreenPrints

GreenPrints Flagship Application Process

Stage one

Applicant contacts SITA Trust about a potential project (stage one)

Stage two

If the project idea is potentially eligible for funding a fully briefed mentor is assigned to help the applicant work up a full application to the GreenPrints fund (stage two)

The application is assessed by Youth Project Assessment Panel

The application is assessed by SITA Trust

Successful
Mentor works with applicant to complete necessary legal paperwork and delivery plan

Unsuccessful
Mentor carries out a signposting exercise with the applicant group to help them find support elsewhere

Mentor supports applicant in delivering the project as required

GreenPrints

13

Applications were scored against a key set of criteria, including youth involvement/ leadership, benefit to people, benefit to wildlife, celebration, personal development opportunities and diversity. In short, the young members of the assessment panels made critical recommendation decisions. It did not take long for them to grasp the importance of their role, often debating the merits or otherwise of applications long after the time-limit was up! Their dedication to making the right decision and ensuring that the Flagship fund was used to best effect, was, in itself, inspirational. The panel set the standard it was then down to the successful applicants, guided by the mentors, to meet that standard. The members of the panel were Lucy Everett (pictured left with Colin), Cally Harmer, Tom Wilson and Colin Green (in both photos). Colin contributed over the entire three year period, so it seems entirely appropriate that he tells the story of his involvement:

GreenPrints Youth Assessment Panel

The aim of the panel of young people involved in the assessment process was to help ensure that applications in the GreenPrints Flagship scheme were of sufficient quality to be recommended to the SITA Trust Board. As the projects were to be inspired by the interests of and led by 16-25 year olds, it made sense to ensure this age group was represented at every panel.
14 GreenPrints

Colins Story:
Leaving university in 2006, I found myself in a situation a great many graduates will find familiar being qualified but inexperienced, and therefore in the eyes of the majority of employers, unemployable. My passion for the environment and desire to make a difference in this specific area limited my options, which became further restricted by my lack of relevant working experience, making getting that first foot on the employment ladder almost a full-time job in itself! In fact, over the fruitless weeks of applications and knock-backs it became obvious to me that the best way of getting the experience to match my qualifications and passion would be simply that, to treat the basic act of gaining experience as a full-time job, i.e. volunteering. I started a six month full-time volunteering placement with BTCV in 2007, during which time I became involved in the GreenPrints

volunteering and conservation scene, I knew this was a chance not to be missed and jumped straight on board. One of the major driving factors in this for me was the fact that I had myself been in the situation where I had the will to start my career in the environment, but not the way. I could see immediately how important the opportunity to be an integral part of a conservation project worth up to 10,000 could be; and by offering that way and shaping the futures of thousands of young people like myself who just needed an opportunity. The following two years of bi-monthly meetings with the Youth Assessment Panel which although professionally handled were always relaxed and enjoyable genial debate and earnest interest in the projects set before us were a privilege to be a part of and gave me a real taste of the short-listing process for funding applications. Each decision we made we knew would have

a real world impact, and one thing I feel all of us on the panel would agree with, I will always remember the simple act of being consulted with as genuine equals by the environment sector professionals we sat with. Two years later, at the end of the GreenPrints programme, I am a 25 year old (still considered young just!) Community Environment Worker running my own programme as part of a local environmental conservation charity in Bradford. The Habitat Heroes programme is worth a total of around 200,000 but the impact of the activities we carry out will have an effect way beyond this financial measure. I would not be in the situation I am now if I had not had the opportunity to develop my skills while volunteering and I can only hope and strongly believe that there are many other young people out there who have been as lucky as me thanks to the GreenPrints programme.

programme. I was approached by a member of the Youth Assessment Panel working in the same office as myself and offered the chance to sit on the panel as a representative of the younger generation targeted by the programme. From reading the description of the programme and the impact it was to have upon the youth

Geographical reach
GreenPrints projects could take place anywhere within England and over the course of the programme a good geographical spread of activity was achieved. A key strength of the programme was the involvement of well established delivery partners. BTCV and The Wildlife Trusts have local offices across the country and could mobilise staff to deliver Event projects in areas that were under represented in the programme.

Flagship Events

GreenPrints

15

West Bowling Youth Initiative

Based at Bradford in West Yorkshire, West Bowling Youth initiative (WBYi) is a fine example of a dynamic community organisation. WBYis core activity is street-based youth work, but this only scratches the surface of what they do. Through their involvement in sports, cross cultural and environmental initiatives, they achieve genuine and effective community cohesion. The application from WBYi to the GreenPrints programme by their everresourceful and enthusiastic centre manager, Haqueq Siddique, outlined a project that would fulfil a community need access to the only green space in a dense area of housing and a genuinely neutral ground that would feel open to people of all backgrounds. Bowling Old Lane Cricket Club was formed in 1905 and became the focal point of the community, as well as a successful cricketing outfit. It is surrounded on all sides by housing, and the clubs facilities are well-used by the community. Due to the lack of green spaces in the area local youths would often climb over the wall to access the playing fields for a kick-about or impromptu game of cricket. This was clearly an unsafe way of accessing the grass and often had a detrimental effect on the wall, or the young trees that were knocked in the climbing process. By recognising the clubs role in providing much needed green space, WBYi set about creating access and expanding the different uses of the space within. The proposal was to open up access by creating a new entrance gate and footpath to the clubs historic cricket field; young volunteers would also take part in local food growing on site.

16

GreenPrints

How were young people involved in designing the project?

Supporting young people to lead on design and delivery comes as second nature to WBYi. The young people got involved in every aspect of this project including:

many useful partners: BTCV provided expertise and more volunteer hands for the pathway and access work, Bradford Environment Education Service (BEES) gave invaluable advice and resources for the food growing element and the local police officer even rolled up his sleeves and got involved.

who could become susceptible to, or involved in, gun crime. As for the space, the younger kids are now involved in the on-going planting, watering and expansion of the food growing project. A new in-flux of girlpower is also one of the unexpected outcomes of this project. The future health of the community is in safe hands!

Outcomes
Of the eight young men involved in creating and delivering this project two went into education, one into employment, one into training and two into another volunteering opportunity. These fantastic outcomes justify the time spent in supporting the young people. Fasal Saleem, a key volunteer who has contributed more than one hundred hours to the GreenPrints project, has now become a trusted leader at the club and WBYi. Fasal engenders respect from his peers and the younger kids. He has developed throughout GreenPrints and is now a trusted key-holder, which means he opens up the club to community groups, helps organise events, and most crucially, motivates younger people to get, and stay, involved in the activities. The legacy of the food growing initiative is a desire by the young people involved with WBYi to grow and eat more of their own food which is a really positive outcome for both wellbeing and cutting food miles. The community ties with the cricket club have grown ever stronger. Happy that the young people are taking control of the project site WBYi workers have reduced their input and returned to their core outreach work, undertaking a new project working with young people

planning of the space designing the raised beds organising the purchasing and; doing the spade work.
Eight young men aged between 16 and 18 took part. Some were not in employment, education or training, and so needed close support and encouragement. Two were at risk of exclusion from school. Nasar Khan, one of the youth workers at WBYi worked in different ways to motivate them to participate. The fact that they all remained involved is testament to the patience and expertise shown by the workers and to the determination of the young people involved.

Mentor Comment:

John Preston, GreenPrin ts Mentor Yorkshire and Humber region (pictured)

My best GreenPrints memory has to be the enthusiasm of Haqueq in West Bowling to get members of his youth training and sports proj ect involved in environmen tal volunteering.

How were young people involved in delivering the project?

The young people worked to clear the area of debris, which involved digging down through layers of illegally tipped rubbish that had built up over the years. They prepared the ground and laid new pathways, made raised beds and planted them to create interest and food crops. In true WBYi style, Haqueq not only made sure that the young people were well supported he also brought in

GreenPrints

17

Practical improvements
Over 400 community green spaces benefitted from the improvements through GreenPrints.
The types of green space improvements undertaken through GreenPrints projects varied greatly depending on local needs and the ambitions of young volunteers: Type of green space Number of GreenPrints Flagship projects 19 20 3 3 7 2 4 11 6 8 2 2 2

Parks Nature Reserves Church Grounds City Farms Community Centre Grounds Walled Gardens Youth Play & Sports Facilities Ponds, Canals, Lakes & Rivers Community Gardens Public Woodlands Historical Monuments Community Orchards Cycle Routes / Bike Tracks

18

GreenPrints

Toms Story
In June 2008 at the age of 17, Tom Wilson from Gateshead in Newcastle upon Tyne agreed to help a college friend with a little volunteering project. Little did he know that his offer of a days help would end up lasting for over 12 months, involve managing a budget, the responsibility for a team of volunteers and an unplanned haircut! Below, Tom looks back on his experience of leading a GreenPrints Flagship project and explains the difference that young people have made to the landscape in a wild part of Northumberland:

friend had already filled in an application form for GreenPrints and within a few weeks of getting involved we had a visit from one of the team who we had to show around Blackhall Mill and explain our plans for improving the nature area. I was really nervous as Id never done anything like this before but the meeting went well. Before I knew it wed been offered the money to complete the project but thats when things really got tough. The reality of doing the project started to dawn on us and then my friend moved onto other things so I was left to work things out on my own.

reward apart from a sense of satisfaction out of doing something for nothing. On a practical level I learned lots about conservation, like how to install fencing.

What was the funniest moment of the project?

One of the volunteers turned up on site one day with a pot noodle and a fork for his lunch. Unfortunately, he had forgotten to bring any hot water to fill it with so he put it beside the fire in the hope it might warm up. When he came back at lunchtime he found a molten mess! We often had a fire on site to keep us warm in the rain and snow and on one particularly cold day I thought itd be a good idea to get nicely warm and dry by the fire. What I didnt realise was that my long hair would dry quicker than my clothes and I didnt notice the hot ash falling all around. That was when my hair caught on fire! I ended up with a bald spot so rather than suffer further embarrassment I opted for a new short haircut!

Did you get any other help?

Once the initial buzz of excitement was over things got tough and it would have been easy to have given up at that point. The main thing that kept me motivated was knowing that nobody was telling me I had to do the project and it was my choice to be getting involved. I was assigned a GreenPrints Mentor who helped take some of the weight off my shoulders but it was down to me to make things happen. BTCV introduced me to a local volunteer group who started coming to site and helping with some of the work. I recruited some of my friends to help out too and slowly things started to take shape.

What are you doing next?

Ive got a place at Exeter University to study Conservation, Biology and Ecology starting in September. Before I got involved in the GreenPrints project I wasnt really sure what I wanted to do when I left sixth form but now Im really excited to be studying something that I know really interests me.

How did the project come about?

Back in Spring 2008 I was at college studying for my A Levels and a friend asked if Id help do some environmental work at a local nature area called Blackhall Mill. I was looking for a way to kill time but also to get voluntary experience that would help me get a job or get a university place once Id finished my A levels. It sounded interesting so I said Id help out.

So, how did you improve the nature area?

The main aim of the project was to help protect the wildlife but also make sure that local people could continue to access and enjoy the site. A lot of the footpaths had become overgrown so one of the first things we did was clear the overgrown vegetation and repair the hedgerows and fencing. Another problem was that the banks of the stream were becoming eroded causing flooding. We installed willow spilling to strengthen the banks and also created a wildlife pond. We planted hundreds of trees on the site too.

Volunteer Diversity
Volunteers were given the option to give further information about themselves. Amongst other things, this helped us to understand if GreenPrints was attracting a diverse range of young people. On completion of the programme we are pleased to report:

Have you always had an interest in the environment?

Growing up in Northumberland I spent lots of time outdoors in the countryside so Ive always been interested in wildlife and the local environment. Im not really the type to sit indoors in front of the television!

12.5% of volunteers described

themselves as other than white British compared to the England average of 9.1%

What did you learn through running the project?

One of the most important lessons I learned through doing the project was how to see something through to the finish. Early on I had to learn to motivate myself and others knowing that there was no

Was it difficult to get the project started?

Yes! Everything happened really quickly at the start and it was all very daunting. My

GreenPrints has engaged 909 volunteers

who consider themselves disabled. This represents 13.9% of participants.

GreenPrints

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Bollo Brook Youth Centre

Colin Brent, Youth Worker at Bollo Brook Youth Centre tells us about a Flagship project that helped young people through a difficult time.
South Acton is in a large, deprived housing estate in west London, with a population of around 6,000 people. At Bollo Brook Youth Centre we offer activities and support for 13 to 19 year olds. We work with around 100 young people on a regular basis. In September 2008, one of the regulars at the youth centre, Craig Marshall, was murdered. He was only 19. As you can imagine, this loss came as a great shock to the young people, who struggled with ways to deal with their emotions. As well as offering them all the support that we could, the team at Bollo Brook decided that something concrete should be done that would allow the young people to take positive action. This was the principal behind the making of a memorial garden, Bollo Reflection Garden, in a space behind the centre, where there was only some cracked concrete and a rusting shipping container. This was not to just be a memorial for Craig, but a space were young people could go to reflect on their own problems. South Acton can be a harsh place to grow up in, so the creation of a softer space, with an emphasis on plants attracting wildlife, would offer young people a brief respite. A few months later we secured funding from the SITA Trust, and work on the project started in May last year. None of us was certain of how far the young people would become engaged in the project. Nevertheless, we have all been surprised by their enthusiasm. Around 40-50 young people have taken part in the project, from designing the lay-out to building the flower beds, choosing and maintaining the plants and making a mural on the wall overlooking the garden. One of the most emotionally charged pieces of work was the making of the gate and bench for the garden. We hired a professional sculptor to work with the

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For me this project represents the best of youth work principals. It is not based on instant gratification some of the plants that we have planted will die, some of the seeds will not germinate. This, however, is no reason not to plant them. The skills learnt from the project do not lead directly to education or employment for the young people, but rather centre on their emotions. In conclusion, this project is not about telling people how to lead their lives, but rather helping to provide them with the emotional resources to deal with future decisions and hardships.

young people to design and make these. The bench was made by Craigs brother and best friend. The two of them bent, cut and welded the steel over two days to create the bench. Although few words were spoken whilst doing this, it left all those involved emotionally drained. When we stepped back to contemplate the finished bench, I felt that this physical activity had been as important as any supportive conversation we had had with them. Apart from the direct involvement of the young people, the success of the project has been evident in several other ways. One has been the respect shown to the garden. The day after the installation of the bench, I remember walking around the corner with great trepidation, half expecting to find an empty space. Much to my relief, the bench was still there, and indeed, as the garden has developed and we have left pots out, everything remains in place. Even young people not renowned for their respect of others property have shown a great deal of respect for the garden as though, somehow, this was a different space. Young people in South Acton, indeed in society on the whole, do not always enjoy the best reputation, but this project has been a way for them to disprove some of these prejudices. As we have been out in the garden, digging over the vegetable patches or cutting the grass, members of the public passing by have often stopped to comment on the positive nature of the project, and the great contribution made by the young people.

The enthusiasm has actually caused us a welcome problem there is not enough space in the garden for them to do as much as they would like. Over the winter months, I have regularly had to turn away young people who would want to do some gardening, as there is simply nothing that needs doing. We are therefore looking at broadening the project and, in partnership with other community groups on the estate, working with the young people to transform the green spaces of the estate, putting in new flower beds, vegetable patches and wildlife areas. So, why is this project so important? The use of physical activity as a way to express yourself and the ability to make where you live a better place have both been central.

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21

BTCV Echoes of Blackburn Meadows

How did the project come about?
This Flagship project was as innovative as it was successful. Blackburn Meadows is an area with an interesting and distinguished past. You may not know the place by name, but you will have seen it if you have ever driven through Yorkshire on the M1! Until 2009, the site was home to the two enormous cooling towers that were part of the former Tinsley power station. A local community group obtained funding from the Arts Council and, led by the inspirational Jennifer Rich, were going to create a sonic art-walk with audio montages of past workers from the area being broadcast by solar power transmitters as a lasting testimony to their heritage. Where BTCV came in was to tackle the two-mile track of land from the Tinsley tram stop to the Tinsley Canal. Based on the accounts of local people collected by the Echoes of Blackburn Meadows group, it had been a haven for wildlife. Unfortunately most of the land has not been managed sympathetically for some time, so for wildlife it had effectively become a no-go area. Using GreenPrints funding young people worked with BTCV and Echoes of Blackburn Meadows to provide a safe, clean environment for local people
22

to experience and enjoy walking in. Together, they aimed to construct a landscape that would showcase the industrial artwork and create a habitat that would encourage and increase the wildlife interest and the biodiversity of the site.

How were young people involved in designing & delivering the project?
Young people were pivotal to the success of the project and they took on active and important roles. A young persons management group was formed and they made the key decisions. They each had a defined role with associated responsibilities, so in effect each member of the group became a mini project manager, fully supported by BTCV staff. Young volunteers were responsible for the vast majority of all the practical work that took place, regularly working in all weathers. Whilst on site, some of the young volunteers were the designated

GreenPrints, measuring the outcomes of an innovative three-year funding programme enabling volunteering opportunities for 16-25 year olds GreenPrints

first aiders, others site supervisors, which included training up the new young people that joined the group on a weekly basis. Jennifer Rich was in charge of publicity and promotion of the project and handled the media and all press invites. Alex Bryant and Aimie Hope acted as administrators predominantly dealing with volunteer enquiries and volunteer registration forms. Sam Bouzida was treasurer and oversaw the spending of the 10,000 award so that the group didnt go over budget. Finally Vicky Moore was the task day leader responsible for organising tasks, ordering materials and being the site supervisor and trainer for the GreenPrints tasks. The Management Group attended weekly project updates with John Thompson of BTCV for support and guidance.

Throughout the project, the young people made extensive improvements to the local area. They installed a wooden interpretation panel at the site entrance detailing the historical past of the site and also an extensive overview of the work they carried out. They resurfaced footpaths and cleared overhanging foliage. Two slab top benches were installed along with a wetland scrape to encourage amphibians (especially frogs) to the area. A sloping bank was cleared of encroaching scrub to encourage growth of wildflowers and to diversify the habitat for animals that thrive on bare ground. The team also replaced 20 wooden steps and planted a hedgerow consisting of approximately 100 native species whips. Finally, they cut back two large trees to open up the area to views of Rotherham and Sheffield for visitors to take in whilst sat on the top bench. They received qualifications and training in a wide range of areas, including Emergency first aid, MIDAS minibus driving, LANTRA brushcutter / trimmers maintenance and operation and Duke of Edinburgh Gold Awards. The project featured regularly on the news section of www.btcv.org.uk, a Facebook page was also created and the project featured on the local BBC News. John Thompson, the project leader

and Vicky Moore were interviewed on BBC Radio Sheffield about the project at its beginning and a large article on the funding award was also featured in the Sheffield Star on 5th February 2010. To cap it all, the celebration event generated so much publicity that local MP David Blunkett heard all about it. He was so impressed with the work of the young volunteers that he came and officially opened the footpath (see photo below).

Outcomes
The area suffers from air pollution from industry past and present and unemployment is high due to a decline in traditional industry. The young people opened up, re-vitalised and transformed the area through their combined efforts. They came from far and wide, including but not limited to; Sheffield Universities, local schools such as Notre Dame and Freeman College and Sheffield Futures and other local Voluntary Action groups and Job Centre referrals.

Volunteer Progression
40 Flagship projects were able to report on how volunteers progressed once the GreenPrints funded project was complete. This information provides a small but representative sample of what 871 young people did in the weeks/months following their involvement in a GreenPrints project:

312 volunteers (36%) progressed into

another volunteering opportunity

87 volunteers (10%) were no longer

volunteering

100 volunteers (11.5%) went into

employment

177 volunteers (20%) went into education 143 volunteers (16.4%) progressed into
training.

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23

Lavender Pond
Following a series of GreenPrints Events at Lavender Pond, a group of dedicated young volunteers with a passion for conservation emerged with a plan to revitalise the important inner-city nature reserve.
This project is a great example of a truly youth-led approach with young people supported to take ownership of all aspects, from design through to evaluation. After taking part in a series of Event projects where they were introduced to volunteering on the site, a group of five young people set about developing a longer term plan of action. Consulting with the Friends of Lavender Pond and a local residents association, the volunteers developed a plan for improving the site to ensure that it could continue to be enjoyed. The plan included creating a butterfly bank and wildflower meadow, increasing wildlife planting, installing benches and signage and resurfacing the area around the pond. With support from the Trust for Urban Ecology (TRUE) the group were successful in securing a grant of 9,800 from SITA Trust providing the incentive to set about recruiting other young people to help them bring about the transformation. The results of the project have been really well received by the local residents who have commented on the quality of the work carried out and the determination of the volunteers who laboured on through all weather conditions. On one particularly

wet day a kind neighbour even provided tea and biscuits but disappeared quickly before she could be thanked! The volunteers have enjoyed learning a range of new skills including fundraising, landscape design, budgeting, wetland planting and block paving. Many of the team continue to volunteer at the site whilst some are planning to use the experience to find employment in the fields of conservation and fundraising.

Located at the northern end of Surrey Commercial Docks in South East London and under the shadows of the towering Canary Wharf, Lavender Pond is a wetland nature reserve providing an important green space for both wildlife and local residents. Despite covering only 2.5 acres, the park features a variety of habitats each with characteristic communities of plants and animals. Some areas are left as undisturbed as possible, while others are heavily used by local residents, schoolchildren and other visitors. A system of wooden boardwalks enables people to see the plants and animals at close quarters without trampling the fragile vegetation.

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Volunteer feedback
Has the experience inspired you to do more? Would volunteer wi th
GreenPrints 63%

Did you learn anything from the experience? I lea

rned things I didnt know before 58%

Will never volunteer again 3% Would volunteer but not with GreenPrints 16% Might volunteer 18% I learned nothing 10%

I learned things I couldnt do before 32%

How would you describe your time spent volunteering with GreenPrints?
Excellent 67%

Gender of volunteers
Female 2624 40% Male 3954 60%

Rubbish 1%

OK 32%

Ethnicity of vo

lunteers

Age range of volunteers

21-25 33% 16-18 43%

White British White Irish White Other Chinese Traveller Roma bean & Black Carib Mixed / White Black Asian Mixed / White British / Indian Asian or Asian deshi British Bangla Asian / Asian i British Pakistan Asian / Asian British / Other Asian or Asian an British Caribbe Black / Black an k British/Afric Black or Blac British Black / Black British Other Black / Black & Black African Mixed / White Mixed Other Origin Other Ethnic Not Disclosed

5135 50 160 66 2 7 57 16 65 77 21 42 35 49 20 3 21 25 75 705

19-20 24%

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25

Flagships
funded through GreenPrints British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV) GPF0001 Restoring Long Hill 10,000.00 Bosworth Youth Ranger Team GPF0003 Birds Need Friends in Bosworth 7,897.80 Wiltshire Wildlife Trust GPF0004 TrackerPillars 6,696.49 Gildersome Baptist Church GPF0005 Gildersome Baptist Church Wildlife and Heritage Project 7,454.24 New Wortley Community Association GPF0006 New Wortley Community Open Garden Project 9,067.82 British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV) GPF0007 Lakeside GreenPrint Hedges for the Future 9,741.36 Somerset Wildlife Trust GPF0009 Wildlife Volunteering on the Quantocks 8,203.28 Northdale Horticulture GPF0013 Nature Trail Improvements 4,121.00 Warwickshire Wildlife Trust GPF0015 Reclaim Primrose Hill Park 7,140.82 East Durham College GPF0017 Pond and Habitat Creation, Enhancement of Conservation Areas 8,382.01 British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV) GPF0018 Lytham Cricket Club Woodland Scheme 7,950.00 Waterways Trust, The GPF0020 Taking Action for Stroudwater Canal 9,136.00 St Stephens Church, Bath GPF0021 St Stephens Community Wildlife Project 9,865.92 St Werburghs City Farm GPF0024 Boiling Wells Outdoor Performance and Education Space 9,842.90 Groundwork Thames Valley GPF0025 Cowsey Improvement Project, The 1,487.70 Sunderland Training & Education Farm Ltd (STEFs) GPF0026 Youth Events Committee 10,000.00 Together Project, The GPF0030 Together Project, The 9,088.75 British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV) GPF0031 Pex Hill Quarry 6,966.35 Groundwork Sheffield GPF0032 The Rosary 9,122.75

British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV) GPF0033 University of Kent Volunteering Project 6,949.85 Oak Grove College GPF0034 Rosie Community Garden 9,991.67 Easton Community Centre / Toc H GPF0037 The Corner Garden 8,536.09 Rutland Water Young Rangers GPF0039 Rutland Water: Wildlife Garden 7,294.18 Shirley Warren Community Garden Project GPF0043 Shirley Warren Community Garden Green Gym 10,000.00 Heeley Development Trust GPF0044 Osmosis 9,153.89 Change for all Network GPF0047 Beautification of Salmons Brook 9,905.00 Groundwork Sheffield GPF0048 Upperthorpe Peace Gardens 9,136.21 The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside GPF0051 GreenPrints at Penwortham 9,869.00 Bridgwater College Green Pioneers GPF0052 Keeping It Green 9,110.30 Friends of Hollybush GPF0056 Hollybush Wildlife Garden Project 9,969.99 Vale of York Environment Group GPF0060 River Foss Environment Project, The 8,566.00 7th Eastleigh 2nd Fair Oak Scout Group GPF0063 Improvements to Grounds Surrounding Scout Hut 6,240.61 British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV) GPF0065 The Great Greenie 6,548.97 British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV) GPF0069 Barnstendale Centre 9,000.31 British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV) GPF0070 Ammerdown Park Tower Garden 7,680.25 British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV) GPF0071 West Heath Amenity Management 8,029.45 North Pennines Heritage Trust GPF0072 Historic Dilston Conservation Project 9,990.59 Self Unlimited GPF0073 CARE Wildlife Project 9,818.77

Avon Tyrrell Activity Centre GPF0075 Wildlife Garden 8,991.20 British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV) GPF0076 Trafford Mill Kitchen Garden 7,822.10 Blackhall Mill Youth Making a Difference GPF0077 Promoting Biodiversity in Blackhall Mill 8,445.03 Dilston College of FE Mencap GPF0078 Quaker Hole Wildlife Project 9,743.26 Lancashire Wildlife Trust GPF0079 Magical Mosslands Flagship 5,461.91 The Waterways Trust GPF0080 Creating a Wet Corridor 8,305.90 Monkton Wyld Court GPF0082 The Wyldside Project 7,931.72 South Hunsley Spaces GPF0083 South Hunsley School Nature Trail Project 8,999.00 TROY (Trinity Real Opportunities for Young People) GPF0084 HELP (Hannakins Environmental Landscape Project) 9,941.39 British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV) GPF0085 Star Orchard 8,371.67 Friends of Crowborough Country Park LNR GPF0089 Operation Kermit 9,997.41 Fairbridge in London GPF0092 Eco-Warriors 3,999.49 Friends of Witton Dene GPF0093 Witton Dene Wetlands 6,807.44 Youth Moves & Newry Walk Church GPF0097 Spark (Newry Walk) 5,167.53 British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV) GPF0099 Broughton Pond & Habitat Improvement Project 8,863.91 Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust GPF0100 Slash n Burn 7,117.25 The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside GPF0101 Wonderful Woodland! 9,932.12 Spitalfields City Farm GPF0104 The Treehouse Project 10,000.00 British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV) GPF0105 The Continued Restoration Long Hill 9,151.79 Sheffield Wildlife Trust GPF0106 Sunnybank Fencing 9,269.40

British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV) GPF0111 Improving South Moor Hill 4,785.02 Groundwork - South Tyneside GPF0112 Wildlife Watch Out 7,594.91 British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV) GPF0113 Whitecity Community Garden 7,284.59 Tees Valley Wildlife Trust GPF0116 Portrack Wild Youth Gateway Project 9,847.47 Bollo Brook Youth Action GPF0119 Bollo Reflection Garden 9,069.31 British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV) GPF0120 Route 66 Community Garden 8,917.69 Plantlife International GPF0121 Generation Ryewater 8,562.40 Lancashire Wildlife Trust GPF0122 Drystone Walling at Longworth Clough 7,550.19 West Bowling Youth Initiative GPF0125 Green Way 9,812.40 Camley Street Natural Parkies GPF0127 Riparian Habitat Creation at Camley Street Natural Park 8,119.00 Lavender Pond Volunteers GPF0128 Lavender Pond Lakeside Project 9,764.98 British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV) GPF0129 Warmley Forest Park Project 7,543.02 Hope Inclusion Time Success Ltd (HITS) GPF0132 My Wild Space 9,067.93 British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV) GPF0133 Milton Avenue Green-side 3,017.86 Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust GPF0134 Foxlease: Operation Restoration 6,978.00 Friends of Beaulieu Heights GPF0135 Beaulieu Heights 7,606.59 Young Friends Together GPF0137 Haigh Hall Community Orchard 9,650.00 British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV) GPF0140 Carrs Woodland Wonder 7,758.07 Surrey Wildlife Trust GPF0143 Greenfingered Garrison - Pirbright Barracks Community Centre Wildlife Garden 9,139.43 British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV) GPF0149 Echoes of Blackburn Meadow 9,499.59 Leeds University Union Conservation Volunteers GPF0151 The Woodhouse Ridge Student Project 2,201.83

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Wilderness Foundation GPF0155 Climate Change Wildlife Garden 7,484.56 British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV) GPF0167 Bemerton Folly Flagship 1,726.18 The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Gt Manchester and North Merseyside GPF0168 IMPACT 8,646.82 Tyne United Rowing Club GPF0173 Greening Tyne United 10,000.00 BTCV (Cornwall) GPF0176 Terrific Times at Tuckingmill 2,357.40 The Green Pioneers GPF0179 The Green Community Orchard 8,258.13 Cheshire Wildife Trust GPF0183 Black Firs Wood Action Project 7,850.88 Joseph Rowntree High School GPF0187 New Earswick Wildlife Trail 7,781.94 British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV) GPF0191 Sandford Millennium Green Project 4,981.38 The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and North Merseyside - TrailBlazers GPF0192 Community Pond Education Area 10,000.00

What our mentors said

I have enjoyed being a Greenprints Mentor and have been inspired by many of the projects I have visited. Its such a good thing to see areas previously used for illegal activities or areas been neglected for many years which have transformed into spaces which now benefit people, enhancing community spirit and wildlife. Claire Dinsdale, mentor, South West region

My best GreenPrints mo ment was visiting the Trailblazers Community pond area for the first time. Despite having see n plans and photographs, nothing could have prepar ed me for the scale and progress made by the pro ject in such a short period of time. The new pond dip ping platforms were amazing, much larger tha n I had originally imagin ed, making what the team had achieved in the reduced timeframe all the more imp ressive. Leanne Rimmer, mento r, North West region

Flagships
ed Projects fund

89

Total funded

715,133.41

Events
517,025.32
Total funded

679

Projects funded

I have thoroughly enjoyed myself at all the GreenPrints Events in Essex, but a couple stand out. The work we did at Kelvedon Brockwell Meadows Local Nature Reserve, maintaining their willow tunnel was very rewarding; weaving the new growth into their willow tunnel (and giving it a hair cut where needed) was brilliant. It was great fun encouraging the willow branches over and under and making it look beautiful! For this task, I worked with locals from Kelvedon and the Sixth Form College from Colchester over two days. The other event was at Hillyfields (a Local Nature Reserve in Colchester) constructing some revetments to stop erosion of the banks along the footpath. I was joined by the Sixth Form College in Colchester and locals. Both days we had lovely weather and all of the group worked hard, so it didnt take them long to pick up how to use all the different tools throughout the day. On the secon d day some of the group stayed after the event had ended to help me finish off. They were so enthusiastic, I couldnt stop them working! Carla Davis, mentor, Eastern region

celebration was great fun. n Kate Lowry, mentor, North West regio

My best GreenPrints memory is seeing all the proud volunteers at the HITS open day in Widnes. The young carers were really proud of what they had achieved and the

My best GreenPrints memory: working on a Country Park in Leicestershire with a group of young people, two days before Christmas. It was so cold there were icicles hanging off the trees, but everyone was so enthusiastic and determined to have fun. We decorated one of the Park trees with Christmas decorations, which we left up until January for visitors to enjoy. We had a barbecue lunch the satsumas had frozen solid, so we barbecued them too very yummy! Tracy Hayes, East Midlands region

We were at Gildersome Baptist Church and we had a group of girls from Xperience 9 out with us, they all had inappropriate footwear and started the day by moaning about the work but by the end of the day they them was even were all getting stuck in and one of talking about wearing plastic bags on her shoes and becoming a regular volunteer. & Humber region Jenny Twaddell, mentor, Yorkshire

The whole of the GreenPrints project was a great memory I loved having the opportunity to meet so many positive young people who were keen to improve green-spaces for their local community. Will Marcombe, mentor, South West region

GreenPrints

27

Greenprints

Enriching nature, Enhancing communities

SITA Trust The Barn Brinkmarsh Lane Falfield South Glos GL12 8PT t 01454 262910 e info@sitatrust.org.uk www.sitatrust.org.uk

This report has been printed on recycled paper

Design & Print by Astwood Design Consultancy Tel: 01789 778111 www.astwood.co.uk