Students hit great outdoors for a wild experience
8 June 2012
Debbie Thornton working on her dragonfly survey at Kedleston Hall
Diverse projects ranging from digital storytelling and biodiversity in business, to lizard and butterfly surveys, involving University of Derby students are underway.
They will develop life skills, be introduced to new communities and gain confidence to move forward into their employment future.
Thirty students from Biology; Forensic Science, Geology and Environmental Science sectors have accessed the WildVolunteering project which will provide valuable hands-on work experience. Some students will take part in more than one project.
The projects include:
- by gathering real life stories, Video-link captures experiences of volunteering in Derby
- using nature, science and play, WildScience in Schools delivers wildlife education to children
- presenting a Biodiversity in Business audit and action plan to a company in Derby
- learning more about protected species, the Common Lizard Survey takes place in Sinfin
- visiting elm trees in the city to complete a White-letter Hairstreak Butterfly Survey
- promoting community events in partnership with local groups and volunteers through Markeaton Brook Events Support
- researching and collaborating with wildlife organisations for the Markeaton Brook Wildlife Desktop Study to demonstrate changes in the quality of the brook
- visiting Kedleston Hall for the Dragonfly Survey
- sampling previous data for the Sturgess Field Butterfly Survey towards the Universities Biodiversity Action Plan
- surveying grassland on the Sturgess Field Wildflower Survey and research Derbyshire Flora
- the Markeaton Brook corridor, evidencing ongoing work towards the Sturgess Field Bird Survey
- attending a Moth Watch and researching previous surveys for the Sturgess Field Moth Survey
- summarising wildlife to produce a Sturgess Field Wildlife Leaflet for local groups and the University
The WildVolunteering initiative is being led by Beverley Rhodes of WildDerby, and University of Derby Student Services and Community Relations teams, and is delivering valuable wildlife activities including education on urban wildlife to the people of Derby.
Bursary funding for students chosen subjects is available to break down barriers to involvement, such as travel or equipment costs. Students are making their studies apply in work, building their knowledge and skills base, gaining work experience and trying new experiences. At the end of the project they will have the added value of a report they produce and access to work references to present to prospective employers.
Derby City Council's WildDerby has provided a team of partners including Derbyshire Wildlife Trust and other skilled volunteers to train students to complete the work. Students attend training and meetings with WildDerby, and their partners at the University, to support delivery and completion.
Beverley Rhodes of WildDerby said: "We have offered a range of different projects, with 'WildScience' being the most popular. There are also opportunities for students to write biodiversity action plans, perform reptile and butterfly surveys, be involved with the Sturgess Field projects and capture digital volunteering stories on film".
WildDerby has ideas and opportunities for the next WildVolunteering project which will start in October this year. Students are encouraged to get involved when they go live.
For more information about this Community News story, contact Jason Nichols on 01332 591945 or email j.nichols@derby.ac.uk
