Welcome to Aberystwyth Conservation Volunteers (ACV). We are thrilled that you are considering supporting our cause!
To tell you a little bit about ACV (Aberystwyth Conservation Volunteers) and our fundraiser, we are a group of 70+ volunteers based in Aberystwyth. ACV attends weekly activities both locally and in surrounding mid-Wales areas. Our group undertakes tasks alongside various wildlife conservation organisations to conserve and enhance the local environment through wildlife surveys, creating and maintaining paths, building fire breaks, restoring peatlands and planting hedgerows. Just recently, we have been working on and have now completed a new footpath, the Lower Quarry Path, in Parc Natur Penglais for everyone to enjoy. Our fantastic student committee works hard to encourage community engagement from students and volunteers by building a welcoming environment and long-lasting partnerships with local organisations. We promote the development of life skills for young adults, with past volunteers achieving the likes of the John Muir Award. Many former members have used our weekly activities to build up experience for jobs in conservation roles and other community-based roles. We also help with projects that are run by a multitude of charities and community groups, such as the Llanafan Women's Institute, Parc Natur Penglais Support Group and a number of community garden projects. The main aims of ACV are to conserve and enhance the environment for future generations and help foster a love of nature in our members and the wider public.
The Aberystwyth Conservation Volunteers are running this fundraiser to help cover transport costs to and from tasks from autumn 2024 to summer 2025. Although we self-fund through a subscription of £10 a year to cover expenses, the reality is our outgoings are increasing year on year. Travelling makes up around 20 trips a year; each minibus hire costs £120 excluding fuel, and public transport tickets are steadily rising in price. Due to this reality, we are seeking assistance to continue providing our volunteer services. We're passionate about making volunteering accessible to everyone, not just for those who can afford it. That's why we're committed to ensuring our volunteers don't have to pay hefty fees to get involved and connect with nature. We believe in inclusivity and the power of community, and we're doing all we can to bring this vision to life! Currently, transport for the year looks to be around £1500, so reaching our funding target of £500 would make a real difference, and we thank you for any assistance you can give.
The true impact of groups and individuals who volunteer in the local community is hard to overestimate. We pride ourselves deeply in the relationships we have built through our volunteering over the years, and we hope you will be generous enough to help us continue this. By allowing us to manage our costs, we hope we can SAY YES more often to supporting conservation work in our beautiful and special part of Wales.
Writer - Sara Hussein (Social Secretary)
Writer - Peter Kidd (Projects Assistance Officer)
Editor - Bradley Powell (President)