Belton: woodland work (Photo: Rob Renfree)
What we do, where we go and why we do it
Belton: woodland work (Photo: Rob Renfree)
The aim of the group is to undertake practical work for the National Trust.
This can take many different forms such as rhododendron clearance, scrub bashing, tree planting, footpath renovation, fence and stile construction, pond clearing, painting, as well as stewarding at summer concerts, manning craft stalls, serving drinks and helping out at other Trust events.
Tasks are undertaken most Sundays and last most of the day, although we also organize a number of weekend tasks throughout the year. (These activities are further described on the next page.)
An important feature of the group is the social life with something being organized on average once a fortnight. Pub meets, theatre outings, punting trips and barn dances are just some examples.
Wimpole Victorian Gardens: autumn work (Photo: Rob Renfree)
Sunday work at our local Trust properties include the following:
Weekend tasks usually take us further afield giving members a chance to meet other NTV groups and discover different Trust sites. (The National Trust website has a list of properties and basecamps for weekend tasks.)
Clumber Park: replacing log barriers (Photo: Rob Renfree)
Obviously the reason behind it all is to help the Trust, but voluntary work is not a one way process.
As members we get to explore many beautiful Trust sites and because of our interactions with Trust staff get to learn about their histories, future developments and day to day workings.
Going on a task usually entails meeting new people and working within a team, in such an environment barriers are quickly broken down and the result is a friendly group of people who enjoy meeting up to get stuck into a task as well as to socialize and have fun together.
The work is often outdoors and following a week in a stuffy office this can come as a welcome breath of fresh air. Many members enjoy the physical challenges of the tasks and find it a good form of exercise. It need not be intensive however, there are many jobs to be done and we expect people to work at their own pace, after all we are there to have fun too.
An added bonus is that if you complete 50 hours voluntary work within the calendar year you receive a free National Trust Volunteers Card which gives free entry to all Trust properties and a 20% discount on purchases in NT shops online or personally at one of the many property shops such as that at Wimpole where alongside the many gift items, you can also purchase frozen lamb, pork and beef actually reared on the property.
Members also receive a newsletter and program of tasks and socials every three months.
Brecon Beacons: restoring pathways (Photo: Rob Renfree)
A committee of at least seven members runs the group with meetings held typically four times a year.
The AGM is held in October each year and is an opportunity to meet all CNTV members, talk to the incoming committee, get views and updates from on the National Trust itself and it's a good social too. Our committee for 2009-10 are:
If you're interested in joining CNTV, or have any questions, please do contact us.
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