Volunteering opportunities to help wildlife in Blackbird Leys

The sessions will take place over the next three weeks:

• On Thursday 14 January volunteers will be able to help clear scrub from the reserve to improve access to the site
• Thursday 21 January will see people able to help repair and maintain the pond, so that residents can watch wildlife thrive and children can experience pond dipping 
• The final session, on Thursday 28 January, will see residents able to build and install bird boxes to provide shelter and nesting for birds this spring

All the sessions will start at 9am at the pond and finish at approximately 1pm. Volunteers can come along for all or just part of the session.

All training, equipment and refreshments will be provided. However, volunteers are advised to wear suitable footwear and clothing, and bring a packed lunch.

Councillor Christine Simm, Executive Board Member for Culture and Communities, said: “This is a great opportunity for people to reconnect with nature, keep fit and healthy, learn new skills and meet new people.”

During 2015, the Parks & Open Spaces Team was supported by more than 740 volunteers. These regular volunteering opportunities include working alongside Council gardeners and rangers, weekly conservation sessions, surveying flora and fauna or belonging to one of 19 friends groups.

Spindleberry Nature Reserve is nestled between the original Blackbird Leys and the newer Greater Leys. Within the park there are several wooden sculptures depicting animals and birds, and you can also find the Spindleberry bush that the reserve is named after.

Spindleberry Nature Reserve is one of 29 nature parks that Oxford City Council manages, alongside more than 87 play areas, four skate parks, 55 parks, four cemeteries, 64 hectares of allotments and 10,000 street trees.

For more information about volunteering opportunities with the Parks & Open Spaces Team, please visit our Volunteering page or email parks@oxford.gov.uk.