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Volunteers celebrate a dirty 30 years - SLIDESHOW
AFTER 30 years of rolling up their sleeves and getting down to work, a group of conservation volunteers have become a part of the Sheffield landscape they serve.
If you've ever been out for a stroll and seen a rather scruffy bunch of people drinking tea and laughing then the chances are it is the Sheffield Conservation Volunteers taking a well-earned break.
The group calls on a wide range of skills to make sure Sheffield's green spaces are well-managed and maintained, including planting, coppicing, hedgelaying and dry stone walling. But they also enjoy a good social life and it's this mix of work and play in a friendly atmosphere that has stood the test of time.
Back in 1978 a small group of friends got together to clear rubbish from a stream in Ecclesfield and enjoyed themselves so much they formed a voluntary group committed to improving public green spaces.
Today – in this their 30th anniversary month – a dozen people still turn up for the Sunday tasks.
Membership secretary Dave Robson, aged 49, has been in the group for 25 years.
He said: "You get to work outside all day for the benefit of wildlife and people. You learn practical skills and meet new friends. At the end of the day hopefully people will have enjoyed themselves and feel like they've done something worthwhile.
"We have a relaxed work ethic and there are no cliques in the group. We pair newcomers off with more experienced members so everyone gets integrated very quickly.
"The true test is if people keep coming out – and for the last 30 years that's been the case."
Since 1997 the volunteers have been based at the General Cemetery on Ecclesall Road, where they work on the first Sunday of every month.
Michael Steadman, of the Sheffield General Cemetery Trust, said the volunteers' work was invaluable.
He added: "The General Cemetery is the largest green space in Sharrow and it is imperative we keep this space welcoming and safe. With the help of SCV we were able to restore the grounds and memorial garden and are indebted to their continued partnership to ensure this space remains a beautiful spot to visit."
The group also has a long term project at Clough Field Woods, Crosspool, where they are turning a former allotment site into public woodland.
Volunteer Jess O'Neil, aged 28, said: "We were looking for a long term project and the council made it available.
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Other projects include a just-finished bridge in the Shirtcliffe Valley, near Handsworth, which the group built in partnership with Sheffield East Ranger Team.
They are also working at Greengate Lane primary school in High Green, where 1,000 trees that were planted as part of a millennium project need maintaining.
The social side is equally busy with regular meets in real ale pubs across the city, trips to the cinema, bowling and this month a barn dance.
David Sinclair, 47, a member for more than 20 years, said the work and play elements were inseparable.
"We had a woman ring up asking if she could just come to the socials – she wasn't bothered about the conservation.
"But overall since we started attitudes about conservation have improved. There are a lot more local groups and friends of groups and the council's Ranger service. It's all good for the city."
n See thestar.co.uk/pictures for more photos of the conservationists at work.
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Saturday 04 February 2012
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