Member Conservation Groups

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Member Conservation Groups

The borough of Basingstoke and Deane has a wide array of sites of ecological interest that Natural Basingstoke member groups help to maintain, from chalk meadowland to ancient woodland, and with much fascinating wildlife, from protected newts to solitary bees – there’s so much to learn across just our local area!

Nature conservation is open to everyone, no special skills are needed to take part.

Practical conservation is the hands-on work that helps care for local wildlife sites across Basingstoke and Deane.

Natural Basingstoke supports local conservation groups working on meadows, ponds, woodlands, hedgerows, parks and community green spaces. Their work can include planting, coppicing, pond care, scrub clearance, path work, litter picking, wildlife gardening and habitat restoration.

You do not need to be an expert. New volunteers are welcome, and group leaders or experienced volunteers will explain the task and help you get started. Sessions are a great way to spend time outdoors, meet like-minded people, learn practical skills and make a visible difference for wildlife close to home.

Some activities may involve tools, mud, uneven ground or physical work, so it is always worth contacting the group before your first session to check what is planned and what to bring.

Browse the local groups below to find a practical volunteering opportunity near you.

What our volunteers say

People volunteer with our local groups for many reasons — from helping wildlife and learning new skills to getting outdoors and meeting others in their community. Here are some of their experiences.

I joined the Marnel & Popley Conservation Volunteers group a few years ago and it has been an eye-opening experience. Not only did I learn about the local flora and fauna but I was also touched by the compassion of the group in ensuring the endangered newt species are taken care of, the ponds are cleared regularly so it can flourish and the area is more habitable for wildlife.

We also have kids join us and it is a joy to teach and train them early. From these work groups, children understand that we are not alone in this world and as humans, we have a responsibility towards maintaining our environment.
Pooja
There are many reasons why like to volunteer for my local Conservation Group. I have always loved being outside and close to nature, and volunteering for a conservation group gives me the opportunity to do something useful and constructive in the preservation of green spaces and wild areas to improve biodiversity and protect wildlife.
Its a great way to meet like-minded people and make new friends, and opens up opportunities to learn new practical skills such as coppicing and hedge-laying, as well as learning about the amazing diversity of our native Flora and Fauna.
Being part of a volunteer conservation group has enormous benefits to my mental health and overall wellbeing. I have a sense of pride in what we achieve and it gives me a sense of ownership in areas that we work in – its great to know that we are preserving our green spaces for future generations to enjoy (people and wildlife!)
Alan
My name is Kallie and I’ve been a conservation volunteer since 2017. I enjoy spending a few hours a month outside with my family working on making an area better for wildlife.
We always find cool creatures and plants to learn about. All the other volunteers are really friendly. I’ve learnt lots of new skills, including how to use tools safely. I like seeing how the area we’ve worked on looks better when we’ve finished. 
KallieCompany Name
It is so nice to spend time outside during the weekend – it makes a change from being at a desk all week! Everyone is so friendly and there’s some really knowledgeable people so you learn a lot. There’s a real sense of achievement seeing the before and after photos and it’s a great boost to your wellbeing.
LauraCompany Name
It’s fantastic to come out to a group where everyone can share their knowledge. We have people with lots of different interests and backgrounds and it is great to be able to learn about all sorts of things, from edible plants to fungi and insects too! It is also very satisfying to see the fruits of your efforts – whether it’s new flowers coming up in an area of the forest we have coppiced, or to see the stream flowing smoothly after clearing away some of the overgrowth.
TonyCompany Name
Doing conservation work with Natural Basingstoke has given me opportunities to be more active, and spend time in nature. I have also gained valuable skills from hedge-laying to public speaking, building my confidence level as a person. I enjoy this so much that I still make time even though I have moved!
BryanCompany Name

The map gives a rough indication of where each of the conservation groups below operates, sometimes on one green space, sometimes on several in the area.

1 – Chineham Conservation Group11 – Marnel & Popley Conservation Group
2 – Blackdam & Crabtree Group12 – Mill Field Conservation Group
3 – Dummer Green Group13 – Oakley Woodlands Group
4 – Friends of Daniel Park14 – Old Down Wildlife Group
5 – Friends of Loddon Vale 15 – Overton Conservation Group & Orchard
6 – Friends of Wigmore Heath16 – Silvermead Hedgerow Group
7 – Fuzzy Drove Conservation Group17 – Southview Conservation Group
8 – Hatch Warren Nature Group18 – Cliddesden – 3CG
9 – Jubiloaks Group19 – Beggarwood Wildlife Group
10 – Kempshott Conservation Group20 – Sherfield Park Conservation Group

What’s your local group? Plug in your postcode and a radius into our map below to find out!