We provide expert help to local environmental groups

We can help your group with our expertise and many years of experience, whether you are setting up the group, looking for help and advice to keep it going, or grow the group. We recognise that many environmental groups are 'micro' in size and 'below the radar' of regulatory bodies, local authorities and other infrastructure support bodies. Your support requirements might be more than simply signposting to web-based resources, we can  provide the appropriate level of support your group requires, such as one-to-one coaching. We can also represent you if you need to negotiate with your local council, statutory organisations or land owners and help you network with similar groups in south west London.

Ultimately, our aim is to ensure your organisation is successful!

Select a topic by clicking an item in this list :

• Setting up
• Insurance (including a 5% discount)
• Legal advice
• Governance
• Library and equipment
• Environmental & friends groups forum
• Working with children & young people
• Links for schools
• Funding for a group
• Funding for a school
• Membership & Affiliation

Some case studies of how we have sucessfully supported groups and enabled them to make a real difference.

 
We can also :

• list your group on this website to publicise your work. We would add you to our Groups Database,
• if you have no website, we can host a web page free of charge on this website,
• help to develop your own website free of charge by using E-voice software, which has been used to develop this website,
• add your activities and events on our Events Calendar to generate interest and recruit volunteers,
• include your group's activities and events in the local press to create interest and recruit volunteers.
• provide a network through our Environmental Groups' Forum (previously called the Open Spaces Forum) for local groups to share good practice,
• train your group in leading and managing conservation volunteer work days,
• train your group in working with children and young people,
• provide funding information and help you to apply,
• provide fully trained leaders who are First Aid at Work certified at your workdays or activities.
• help you work towards the aims laid out in the Guidelines for Volunteers and Voluntary Groups working in the Environment, covering health and safety, insurance, first aid and risk assessment and other guidance for groups holding volunteer workdays.
• perform environmental audits of buildings for schools, voluntary and community groups through our Zero Waste Initiative (ZWIN) project .
• list books from our Google Bookshelf.

Training and education providers 

Birkbeck University of London - Ecology and Conservation Studies
Birkbeck offer some excellent short and long courses, diplomas and degrees in ecology and conservation studies. They also host lectures from the Ecology and Conservation Studies Society. http://www.bbk.ac.uk/ and http://www.bbk.ac.uk/environment/prospective/ecss

BTCV
A range of training courses are available in many practical activities and species identification. Details of courses in London and further afield can be found on BTCV's website. http://shop.btcv.org.uk/shop/level1/19/level

Capel Manor
They offer a range of courses in horticulture, gardening, landscaping and forestry management. The main campus is in Enfield but courses take place at other locations in London, including Gunnersbury Park (near Chiswick). The Web site is www.capel.ac.uk.

Environmental Trainers Network (ETN)
ETN offer a range of fairly in-depth training courses in a variety of locations countrywide. The ETN course can be found and booked through BTCV's website http://shop.btcv.org.uk/shop/level1/19/level

Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management
IEEM is a professional body which represents and supports professionals in the fields of ecology and environmental management. The web site is http://www.ieem.net/ IEEM offer a wide range of course in species and habitat management. http://www.ieem.net/

Twickenham & Thames Valley Bee-Keepers Association
During the active bee-keeping season (March to September) groups of student bee-keepers work with experienced tutors on Friday evenings taking care of the Association's beehives, (hands on experience) Please contact Chris Deaves on 020 8 568 2869. http://www.twickenham-bees.org.uk/