October 2015 - Avalon Marshes

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Passionate about nature? Want to kick-start a career in environmental conservation?

Following the success of our 2013 Apprenticeship programme, the Avalon Marshes Landscape Partnership is offering an apprentice the opportunity to develop their vocational experience with four of the UK’s leading conservation organisations on some of the country’s best wetland nature reserves.

The successful candidate will be offered 18 months’ tailored experience which includes key vocational training in addition to a Level II Work-Based Diploma in Countryside Management with Bridgwater College.

The Avalon Marshes Environmental Conservation Apprentice will have the chance to work not only with Somerset Wildlife Trust, but also RSPB, Natural England and the Hawk and Owl Trust in the beautiful and ancient landscape of the Avalon Marshes.

Full-time 37.5 hours per week.
Starting salary: £156 per week (for the first 12 months, increasing thereafter in line with the National Minimum Wage).
For an application form and further details, please call Debs Rylands on 01458 860556 or email debs.rylands@somersetwildlife.org.
Closing date for applications is Tuesday 17th November at 5pm.
Shortlisted candidates will be required to attend an interview on Tuesday 1st December, and a practical taster day on Wednesday 2nd December.
Start date for successful candidates – Monday 11th January 2016

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The past three months have once again proved to be a busy time for staff and volunteers at Natural England’s Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve (NNR), with plenty of infrastructure repairs being carried out before winter scrub management works begin. To find out more read their Newsletter – link to PDF.

If you would like to receive your own quarterly copy contact Julie Merrett of Natural England julie.merrett@naturalengland.org.uk.

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A developing community garden in Glastonbury hosted its first event recently with local residents making nest boxes and feeders to attract more birds and bees to the site, with a little help from the Avalon Marshes Project.

The Gardens, situated on the Paradise Housing Estate, were the idea of resident and founding member Sally Morningstar who for the last few months has been tending some previously neglected areas to benefit butterflies, bees and other local wildlife. She commented “It has been wonderful to watch the Gardens grow as more people become interested in joining the project and with these new boxes and feeders, we should see many more species in the coming months.”

Paradise Community Gardens is a Knightstone Housing sponsored project on the Paradise Housing Estate in Glastonbury. Everyone is welcome to join either as a Friend or a Resident and membership is free. Please go to their website to find out more: www.paradisecommunity.wix.com/gardens

(Knighstone Housing Association is a leading housing provider in the South West, they own and manage over 11,000 homes across Somerset and the West of England, developing affordable homes and providing a range of supported housing.)

making a bird feeder community project