Young volunteers blitz woods and park

Young volunteers blitz woods and park

YOUNG volunteers from Outset Youth Action spent a day clearing Laurel from Crawley’s Hawth Woods and Rhododendrons from an area of Tilgate Park. This clearing of invasive bushes will allow natural habitat to re-grow.

Outset Youth Action is an independent West Sussex-wide organisation that acts as a free volunteering agency for 13-25 year olds. It is supported and works in close partnership with West Sussex County Council’s Children and Young People’s Services and V, the national youth volunteering body.

The day was organised by Gatwick Greenspace, which aims to protect the environment and wildlife in Crawley, Horley and Horsham.

Kevin Lerwill, Gatwick Greenspace Project Officer, said: “The young volunteers hard work made a real difference. We will now be holding a half-term event in October.”

One of the volunteers commented: “It was a great experience working with others in this way. I would certainly encourage other young people to get involved.”

Pete Bradbury, County Council Cabinet Member for Children Families, said the day highlighted the value of volunteering.

“It shows that everyone gains from volunteering. It was a chance for young volunteers to make a valuable contribution to their environment and at the same time enjoy a fun day making new friends,” he said.

For further information contact either:

• Chris Mente, Outset Youth Volunteer Adviser on 0777 9168697/ christine.mente@outsetyouth.org.uk

• Kevin Lerwill, Gatwick Greenspace on 01293 550730 / kevinlerwill@sussexwt.org.uk

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