Develop New Skills, Gain Experience, and Learn Outdoors!
The Natural Neighbourhoods project, run by the Green Team at Groundwork West Midlands, is a programme offering practical experience in countryside management.
The programme is based in Silverdale Country Park, a beautiful 83-hectare green space on the site of the former Silverdale Colliery in Staffordshire.
The Natural Neighbourhoods project is funded by the government’s Green Recovery Challenge Fund. The fund is being delivered by The National Lottery Heritage Fund in partnership with Natural England and the Environment Agency.
Green Team
There are two ways in which you can get involved with the Green Team, either through our Trainee programme, or through our more informal community volunteering opportunities.
Trainee Programme at Silverdale Country Park
The Green Team supports the improvement and protection of community greenspaces in the local area. We are based in Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme, with most of our activities taking place at Silverdale Country Park.
Our trainee programme is a three-month placement, designed to develop new skills and gain experience in the environmental sector. It is a chance to work outdoors with like-minded people, improve your mental wellbeing, and prepare you for work in the green economy.
Training & Experience
Green Team trainees will work alongside volunteers on environmental projects whilst completing relevant certificated training relating to sustainability & land management. As a trainee with the Green Team, you will gain practical experience through onsite volunteering and training courses.
You will learn about:
- Carbon Literacy Certification
- Habitat Creation and Management
- Scything and Meadow Management
- Hard Landscaping
- Wildlife Identification
- Bushcraft and Survival
- Tool Use, Care and Maintenance
- First Aid
- Health and Safety in the Workplace
- Safeguarding and Duty of Care and other e-learning modules.
Am I Eligible?
The trainee programme is targeted at those who are looking to work in the environmental sector, and to develop their knowledge around the environment and sustainability agenda.
To apply for the trainee programme, you should fall into any one of the categories below:
- 16-24 years old
- Over 50 years old
- Unemployed or economically inactive
Participants who may not fall into these categories, but wish to change careers to work in the environmental sector, are also encouraged to apply.
Community Volunteering at Silverdale Country Park
As a community volunteer, you can come and support the work of the Green Team by getting involved more informally in our activities on site. This option may be more suitable for those who aren’t able to commit to the full trainee programme, or are just generally interested in supporting the maintenance and management of their local green space.
When Do Sessions Take Place?
Every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, from 10am – 3pm.
Our trainee programme runs for 3 months, starting in September 2021 and January 2022.
If your circumstances mean you would like to start outside of these dates, please contact us to discuss your options.
How Do I Apply?
If you would like to find out more and book your place, get in touch!
Or download application form: NN Volunteer Application Form[3887]
Call or text us on: 01782 829923 | 07780 458826
NaturalNeighbourhoodsWM@groundwork.org.uk
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This project is funded by the government’s Green Recovery Challenge Fund. The fund is being delivered by The National Lottery Heritage Fund in partnership with Natural England and the Environment Agency.
