Gate Installation, Fenton Road, Hartlepool (Winter 2008)
A project working with Hartlepool Countryside Wardens and Rights of Way. The students installed two U shaped access gates and improved the footpath. The work was carried out to restrict access by illegal motorbike riders along this popular Right of Way.

Footpath Improvements, Ryton Willows, Gateshead (Autumn 2008)
Working with staff from Gateshead Borough Council, students carried out a range of access improvements within this Local Nature Reserve over the course of 3 visits. The work included constructing a 30 metre section of boardwalk, footpath surfacing, footpath revetment, footpath drainage improvements and drain clearance. The work created a large impact in a short space of time, much to the pleasure of the local people who stopped and voiced their appreciation of the students' efforts.

Fence Construction, Juniper Project, Castleton, North Yorkshire (Summer 2008)
Working with North Yorkshire Moors National Park Volunteer Services students spent several sessions working on a site in Castleton, North Yorkshire, to erect a Post and Wire Fence around an area of land that had been planted up with Juniper as part of the reintroduction of Juniper back onto the North Yorkshire Moors.

Access Improvements, Hart Farm, Hartlepool (Winter 2007/ 2008)
A project working with Hartlepool Rights of Way  section, students improved a section of PROW around Hart Village so it could be accessible for less able walkers. In total 11 new self closing gates where installed, 3 field gates and 70 metres of footpath improved with a post and rail fence being constructed during the project which lasted for several weeks. The great variety of different work areas in this project gave the students a real mixed bag of experience, with the footpath being officially opened by local school children after the project was completed.

Pond Clearance, Houghall Farm, Durham (Autumn 2007)
In this session students give one of the ponds at Houghall Farm some much needed management work to remove Typha growing there, and ensure the pond remains in a fit state for wildlife. After a hard and smelly days work the pond was much clearer.

If you are involved in an environmenta/community based project and have a project you feel student groups could help out with please contact Jonathan Pounder on jonathan.pounder@eastdurham.ac.uk


I'm interested in getting involved in volunteering whilst on the course. Do you have connections to other environmental organisations?

The College works very closely with many external organisations, including wildlife trusts, national parks and local authorities accross the North East. A great place to start is to visit http://dwt.fotopic.net/


What do students need to bring to Environmental Conservation classes?

Students need to bring along old clothes, suitable footwear (STC boots or wellies), a warm waterproof coat, wet-proofs if possible, a pair of strong gardening gloves, winter hat and gloves for cold weather, a packed lunch or lunch money, plenty to drink (especially in the summer) and their developing portfolio of work. The College also offer a range of personal protective equipment (PPE) bundles. More information on this can be found at application and enrolment sessions.


What is a typical day for an Environmental Conservation student?

Students generally meet at 9.00 before travelling to the conservation site. The conservation for the task is discussed on-site, and students are introduced to their area of work. Work is carried out in small groups throughout the day, breaking for lunch, and students return to the College before 5pm.


The provision of links to third party websites is to provide additional information or to highlight third parties which may be of interest. Whilst the College provides these links in the best faith it cannot be held responsible for the content or security of third party sites.