Through this project, Gwent Wildlife Trust is providing training in skills for employment in conservation and the environment sector for people in Blaenau Gwent. We are also building on our work to help nature recover in the region by developing opportunities for practical volunteering on green spaces: to build ‘green skills’, improve the local natural environment and enhance participants' health and wellbeing.
Alongside these activities, we are undertaking a feasibility study into the development of a regional ‘green skills’ hub in Blaenau Gwent on the site of the former Pumphouse on Steelworks Road in Ebbw Vale.
Eastern Valleys Volunteers Photocredit - Tom Eyles
We're offering a range of practical volunteering opportunities on green spaces. Join our volunteer workteams and enjoy time outdoors helping nature, whilst learning about practical land management, ecological surveying, litter picking and constructing natural flood defences. Volunteer with us
Sam Ashman, a former GWT trainee and now a Nature Recovery Officer. Photocredit: Tom Ashman
We're hosting 6 traineeships for people seeking a career in a conservation or environment related field. Trainees are working alongside Gwent Wildlife Trust's Nature Recovery Officers and other staff to build their skills, gain practical experience and certifications.
The Pumphouse in Ebbw Vale
As part of this project, we are revisiting the feasibility of restoring the former Victorian Pumphouse in Ebbw Vale, adjacent to the Environmental Resource Centre, to create a multi-functional space in which to meet, learn, create, share skills and develop projects that have a sustainable impact on local communities and wildlife.
This project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Community Renewal Fund.
The UK Community Renewal Fund is a UK Government programme for 2021/22. This aims to support people and communities most in need across the UK to pilot programmes and new approaches to prepare for the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. It invests in skills, community and place, local business, and supporting people into employment. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-community-renewal-fundprospectus