MuckIn4Life boosts conservation volunteering
Wildlife and Conservation Minister Huw Irranca-Davies launched a new environmental volunteering campaign, Muckin4Life, today on the banks of the Thames.
The campaign, led by Defra and involving a range of environmental volunteering groups, is designed to encourage people to get outside and take part in volunteering, to enhance biodiversity in a fun and healthy way.
It supports the Department of Health’s Change4Life campaign and Muckin4Life, which aims to help conserve wildlife, landscapes, parks, gardens and other green spaces, is supported by a wide range of environmental organisations.
As part of the campaign, the Minister launched a new conservation volunteering photo competition – in conjunction with Kew – to capture the fun, enjoyment and engagement that comes from volunteering in England.
Mr Irranca-Davies, who was snapped while helping clear the banks of the Thames with Thames 21 volunteers, said: “I’d encourage anyone to have a go at conservation volunteering – you could be doing anything from clearing a pond, building a dry stone wall or footpath or making a bird box. While you’re out doing your bit, getting some fresh air and getting active, why not take a photo to capture your experience and enter it into our competition.”
The International Garden Photographer of the Year competition and its Conservation Volunteering section, sponsored by Defra, will run until November 2009. Winning photos will form part of an open air exhibition, showing in outdoor venues around the country, starting with Kew in Spring 2010.
Further information
Page last modified: 7 May 2009
Page published: 7 May 2009