The postwar agricultural revolution and incresing urbanization have together much influenced the British countryside, with major impacts upon traditional landscapes and wildlife habitats. Within this context, the Trust (BTCV: the early name is the conservation corps) was formed in 1959 in order to involve volunteers in practical conservation work. The aim of this article is to introduce this well-organised body and its activities to Japan, which has been suffering from similar environmental problems.
1. The organization, finance and activities
It employs 207 staff, and organizes 75 field bases and 629 local conservation groups which make up the volunteer force. BTCV's operation and work is assisted by central government and local authorities. Furthermore, BTCV has close working links with the park authorities, the Nature Conservancy Council, the Countryside Commission, and also other conservation bodies, including the Woodland Trust and the National Trust. They have provided both projects and financial support, as well as funds donated by private companies. In fact, majority of BTCV's income is covered by grant or donation from central government (30 % in 1990), local and statutory authorities (13%) and other Trust and industry (29%). BTCV's Natural Break programme of conservation working holidays provides volunteers various practical opportunities such as woodland management, dry stone walling, hedge management, footpath improvement, habitat protection, etc., annually in over 500 sites.
2. Case study of the activities in woodland habitat restoration
To assess the BTCV's conservation working holidays, the author participated in a coppice management course for habitat restoration on a National Nature Reserve. Since coppice management has been overthrown by we spread of oil and gas as fuel, wildflowers and other wildlife have been stunted by the over-growth coppice. With the volunteers staying in the nearby village hall, the weekly work was coordinated by a trained volunteer leader in friendly manner. Not only was the work effective for conservation, but it also promoted a wider environmental understanding, and a partnership and friendship between participants.
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