University Makes Good On Community Pledge
14 May 2012
Students clearing a pathway in the Peak District National Park, as part of Project 2012
The students have been a great help clearing the pathway, and have been enthusiastic workers on all of our other projects. Without volunteers many of these jobs just wouldn't get done - so we can't thank them enough.
”Charlie Wilkins, a Ranger for Peak Park Conservation Services
A morning spent volunteering in the Peak District National Park achieved far more than the clearing of a public footpath for a group of Buxton College students recently. Their four hours of hard work completed 'Project 2012'; Buxton College and the University of Derby Buxton's pledge to complete 2,012 hours of voluntary work in the local community.
The group of 12 Living for Learning and Work students, who all have extra support needs, spent the morning lopping overhanging tree branches and cutting back bushes on a popular public footpath into the village of Baslow, clearing the way for walkers.
It is just one of the projects to have benefited from Project 2012 over the last year. Age Concern, Buxton's 'Streetsafe' campaign, Volunteer Bureau Buxton, Blackbrook Zoological Park, Scope, the Salvation Army Hawthorns Nursing Home and High Peak Kennels are also among the forty eight local organisations and charities to have received help from volunteers.
Dr Peter Dewhurst, Dean of the University of Derby Buxton said: "I am delighted that we have passed our target of volunteering 2,012 hours to our local community. This is a fantastic achievement for our students who have shown great commitment and enthusiasm for supporting the community they live in."
Charlie Wilkins, a Ranger for Peak Park Conservation Services, said: "The students have been a great help clearing the pathway, and have been enthusiastic workers on all of our other projects. Without volunteers many of these jobs just wouldn't get done - so we can't thank them enough."
Ben Offord, the University's Placements Officer added: "As well as helping local organisations, many of the Project 2012 placements have provided our students with vital experiential learning opportunities that enrich their studies and prepare them for the world of work."
So far this year, Matthew Roberts, 20, a first year BA (Hons) Countryside Management and Outdoor Recreation degree student has given 40 hours of his spare time to work in the community on the Students' Union Streetsafe Campaign.
On Wednesday evenings he, along with fellow University students, have been carrying out patrols to ensure students and other Buxton residents enjoy a night out and get home safely.
Matthew said: "Volunteering has been a fantastic experience so far. I just wanted to get involved and help other students and the community. Project 2012 and the Streetsafe Campaign have given me this opportunity."
For more information on the University of Derby Buxton, and Buxton College's work in the community visit website www.derby.ac.uk/supportingthecommunity
