As a Parish Council, Farnham with Stratford St Andrew has a statutory duty under the Environment Act to 'conserve and enhance' the natural world within our villages.
With this in mind, we are seeking a volunteer to help us conserve, enhance and protect the biodiversity within the Parish. This is an unpaid role, but there is a mileage allowance available. It is not essential to live within the Parish to do this role.
The volunteer would be asked to keep a watchful eye on the trees, verges, hedgerows, footpaths, ponds, rivers, and meadows etc. and to report any immediate issues to the Parish Council via the Parish Clerk to decide what action might be needed. This voluntary role would greatly suit an active walker with an interest in the local places and features that matter to the community.
The volunteer would be asked to make a short report (verbal or in writing) to the Parish Council to outline any issues and suggestions, for example, how best to encourage residents to implement wildlife friendly measures in their gardens. There are limited public funds available, but all suggestions can be considered and will be implemented if achievable and desirable within the given habitats and available funds. The Parish Council may also be able to apply for environmental grants and funding.
Whilst not essential to being appointed to the role, it would be ideal if the volunteer were willing to record habitats and the species present, or to report on any invasive non-native species which may be detrimental to native flora and fauna, for example Japanese Knotweed. The treatment of such species would not be required of the volunteer as this needs to be done to required regulations.
If you are passionate about conserving, protecting, and enhancing the natural environment we live in, please contact our Parish Clerk, Kim Puttock on clerk@farnhamwithstratfordstandrew-pc.gov.ukin the first instance.
Thank you.