BTCV (formerly known as British Trust for Conservation Volunteers) is the biggest practical conservation charity in Britain.
How it all began
BTCV began as a body organising practical tasks for groups of Volunteers. However their role has changed considerably since the organisation was first founded. Although BTCV has nearly always involving people in their environment in one way or another, in what BTCV describes “as a ‘hands-on’ approach to conservation activities”, much of the charity’s work is in urban areas and includes many varied projects such as regeneration and education.
- In 1959, Brigadier Armstrong was appointed by the (then) Council for Nature to form a group called The Conservation Corps. The objective was to involve volunteers in practical conservation work. The very first project was in Boxhill, Surrey. 42 Volunteers including David Bellamy, cleared dogwood to encourage the growth of juniper and distinctive chalkland flora.
- By 1964 the Conservation Corps had expanded its activities to include education and amenity work in the countryside.
- In 1966 The Conservation Corps moved from a Basement office in Queens Gate in Kensington, to new premises in the grounds of London Zoo in Regent’s Park
- 1968 saw the very first training course held for volunteers.
- In 1969 membership had increased to 600 with volunteers completing around 6000 workdays per year. This year also saw the first international exchange visit to Czechoslovakia something that continues today under the title International Project Programme.
- 1970 The Conservation Corps started operating under the name British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV). The Duke of Edinburgh became Patron.
- 1971 The local Group Affiliation began.
- 1972 Saw the launch of BTCV’s Magazine The Conserver.
- By 1974 Registered volunteer numbers were 3000 and 57 groups had registered with BTCV.
- In 1975 The Membership was launched.
- 1977 Saw BTCV open an Ecological park opposite the Tower of London as part of the Queens Silver Jubilee celebrations.
- 1984 BTCV moved headquarters to Wallingford, Oxfordshire.
- In 2006 BTCV moved its headquarters to Doncaster. The new “environmentally friendly” building features a sedum covered roof, hence its name Sedum House.
Activities
BTCV attempts to be inclusive and accessible to all, running a diverse range of activities in the United Kingdom. Many are focussed on practical conservation work, also BTCV provide extensive training programmes, work experience and education opportunities. Projects are also run solely to introduce children and young people to their environment. There are also opportunities for people with learning difficulties to work with BTCV (although they work as part of the normal volunteer groups too).
Other activities Carried out by BTCV
- Green Gym programme to promote health benefits to working outdoors (More in later posts)
- Conservation holidays both in the UK and around the world
- Providing support to community conservation project groups
- Providing accredited training through BTCV’s own education scheme BIEC (BTCV Institute for Environmental Conservation) in partnership with Broxtowe College, Nottingham funded by the Learning and Skills Council.
- Consultancy
- Education for Children and young people on recycling and the environment
- Providing training for long term unemployed.
Please click the videos for a taster of what BTCV do and what it is like to volunteer for them.
If you would like to find out more or get involved please click either the logo at the top of the page or the following link:
http://www2.btcv.org.uk/display/btcv_home
