The volunteers are a group of people dedicated to the conservation of the Common as natural woodland and grassland open to the public for quiet enjoyment.
Operating under a broad five year management plan aimed at the conservation of the flora and fauna indigenous to the area, we carry out practical work on the streams, ditches, ponds, footpaths and vegetation on the Common attempting to ensure it is a safe environment while retaining its natural beauty and diversity.
For the most part, we only use hand tools which are provided and nobody is asked to do anything beyond their ability.
We look after all 70 ha of the Common except for the cricket pitch (managed by Monken Hadley C.C.) and the immediate surrounds of Jack’s Lake (cared for by the Hadley Angling and Preservation Society).
We normally meet at a nominated point on the Common at 10 a.m. on Tuesday mornings, and work for approximately two and a half hours…. with a coffee break! There are usually six to ten of us each week, and most of the volunteers attend fairly regularly, but how often you attend is up to you.
If asked, most of the volunteers would say they get a warm feeling from doing some worthwhile work in the local community. Others would say they use Tuesday mornings as their outside gym session, and there are times when we get a real buzz and sense of achievement from working together and finishing some project that makes a difference. We are often amazed at how much we accomplish in a morning, particularly as the first 10 minutes are often spent “discussing” the best way of tackling any one job!
Anyone who wants to join us is more than welcome – we are actively looking for new recruits as there’s always plenty to do, ensuring the common remains a vibrant haven for both wildlife and the community. You need to be “reasonably fit”, over 18, and live locally (probably Hadley Wood, Cockfosters, East, New or High Barnet). It’s a wonderful way to meet like-minded people, enjoy the outdoors, and make a tangible difference to your local environment.
Monken Hadley Common Conservation Volunteers is proudly affiliated to the The Conservation Volunteers (previously known as the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers), connecting us with a wider network of conservation enthusiasts and resources. By becoming part of the Monken Hadley Common Conservation Volunteers, you’ll play a key role in preserving the natural beauty and biodiversity of this cherished local space.
If you would like further information or are interested in joining us, please contact Roger De La Mare on 07484 844432 or at RogerDeLaMare@mhctrust.org.uk Let’s work together to protect and enhance this beautiful common!
