- Volunteers will work best if someone responsible for the site or path is present at the start of the day to explain the purpose of the task, and to work alongside them.
- Before starting work, the leader should explain the use and care of tools, and any general risks and precautions associated with the work and the site. Set the day’s objectives. Where a task seems dishearteningly big, it helps to see at the end of the day that a measurable amount has been achieved.
- If work is being concentrated on one small part of a site, such as steps on a path leading to a waterfall, ensure the volunteers see the rest of the site early on during the project, so they can appreciate the context of the work they are doing. Walkers will inevitably get into conversation with volunteers, and the leader should ensure that volunteers are well informed about the site and the need for management, both for their own benefit and for explaining to others.
- Footpath projects are those where conservation volunteers are most likely to come into contact, and possibly conflict, with the public. Warning and publicity signs should always be used at either end of the path. If it is open to the public, these signs are well worth a little time and trouble to make and can be beneficially accompanied by a contributions hat or welly.
- The major problem with organising footpath work follows from its linear nature. The project may involve a series of discrete operations such as stile building or cross-drain construction. This will require teams of two or three people working at each location, with each team having a set of tools and working independently. Supervision becomes difficult, and each team must know how to do the job.
Other work such as step building or boardwalk construction can usually proceed from the start only. This requires careful division of labour so that the ground preparation, carrying of materials and construction are kept running smoothly without delays and bottlenecks. In some situations it may be easier if, for example, everyone spends the first day carrying materials to prevent the line of communication becoming too stretched.
Vegetation clearance, and some types of surfacing such as stone pitching, may be worked in several places at once, each extending to join up. Ensure that this does in fact happen by the end of the project.
Many types of work can use a ‘leapfrog’ system, which allows small groups to work independently without becoming cut off.
- Space is often very limited on paths, and the land on either side may be too steep or overgrown to be used. Always plan and instruct clearly where materials are to be dumped, especially if ground has to be excavated. It is very easy to get in a mess with materials and debris being trampled everywhere. If possible, pile materials onto tarpaulins or plastic sheets.
- Few jobs will need a large group working together, and the leader must use his or her judgement in dividing the group, and swapping people around as necessary to keep everyone happy. Try to put new workers with an experienced person.
Organising group worktcv-admin2024-06-24T11:51:46+00:00
