Wild About Jersey - everyone invited

24 March 2016

Islanders are invited to an event celebrating and informing people about Jersey’s wildlife.

Wild About Jersey is a two-day conference and volunteer fair where people can meet and learn about organisations involved in protecting and conserving Jersey’s plant and animal life and discover how they can get involved. Across the world volunteers gather information vital to protecting and improving our environment, from spotting butterflies to identifying new galaxies, from counting birds to collecting worms. Our event is offering participants volunteering opportunities to help protect Jersey’s natural environment.

Open to all

Conservation volunteering and citizen science is a great way to get outside, to learn more about the natural world and contribute to important scientific research. It’s aimed at everyone, from experts to amateurs, school children or enthusiastic beginners who want to be involved in science and conservation. It’s also an excellent way to meet new people and get some exercise.

The event, which is taking place on the weekend of 23 - 24 April 2016 at Highlands College, is open to everyone interested in learning more about local wildlife. Experts on bumblebees, plants, bats, amphibians and reptiles will be coming to Jersey to speak at the event and lead workshops.

Volunteers

Research Ecologist for the Department of the Environment, Nina Cornish, said “Last year volunteers gave more than 5000 hours to Jersey conservation projects and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.  They’re a hugely valuable resource to Jersey and to the work of the Department of the Environment in particular.

We’re holding Wild About Jersey to try to build on that foundation. It’ll give us the chance to offer existing volunteers the training and support to continue effectively with their work, and to encourage a new generation of potential volunteers by showcasing the other environmental projects that could do with a helping hand.”

Booking a place

There is no cost for the event, and you can attend as little or as much as you like, however, as places are limited booking is essential and will be allocated on a first come first served basis. Anyone interested in booking a space should do so by Friday 15 April. Contact Julia Meldrum on 441665 or email j.meldrum@gov.je for more details or to book a place.