WildVolunteering Partnership at the University of Derby
10 February 2012
A WildDerby event at Sturgess Field
The University has joined forces with WildDerby at the City Council to support students into volunteering. The project will encourage and enable students to carry out projects in the community, at schools or businesses on matters related to wildlife.
The project will be led by Beverley Rhodes, Environment Projects Officer for WildDerby who is passionate about the environment and wildlife and plans to develop this work by building relations with the University. Beverley will provide guidance to students on wildlife matters with the full support of Student Services at the University and the project will run for 12 months.
Asia Alder, Project Coordinator for volunteering at the University of Derby said: "This is a great opportunity for our students to develop skills and work with the local community on projects related to the natural environment. We are working with colleagues with an interest in the natural environment to ensure we provide exciting opportunities for students which are also valuable for the local community".
A second aspect to the project will be capturing 'digital stories' about volunteering by one of our film students. When the stories are compiled they will make a collective statement about the value of volunteering.
Every effort will be made to encourage innovative work, including work in new areas such as a 'Wildlife & Environment Healthcheck' in commercial settings and other exciting project work. Academic staff at the University will also be encouraged to undertake such volunteering opportunities.
Beverley said: "This is a huge opportunity for students to gain confidence, new skills, to engage and have real wildlife work experience".
For more information about this Community News story, contact Jason Nichols, on 01332 591945 or email j.nichols@derby.ac.uk
