Page 24 - Land Trust Annual Review 2023

The Land Trust

Community Cohesion and Volunteering

We work hard to The overall number of community events held across Land Trust sites in
ensure that all of 2022/23 grew significantly versus the previous year. An increase of 30% year on
year moves numbers closer back to pre-pandemic levels
the community
are able to Volunteer numbers also continued to grow, with a sizeable increase in corporate
access our volunteers. The number of formal charitable activities delivered grew by 25% since
the previous year.
green space
and enjoy the At the Land Trust, we work hard to ensure that all of the community are able to
benefits it access our green space and enjoy the benefits it provides. To start to understand
and ensure that our sites are used by all parts of the local community, we carried
provides. out a pilot study at Beam Parklands in east London.

Working with a third-party research consultancy, the study looked at the
perception of the park and demographic usage of the park. Following interviews
with over 200 visitors to the park who live within a 10-minute drive away, the study
concluded that people of all demographics use the park, representative to census
date, including all religious groups and ethnicities. 78% of respondents also
agreed that Beam Parklands is “an important community resource”.

Volunteer of the year
Gabby Shields was awarded Volunteer of the Year for her hard work and
dedication at the Land Trust’s Avenue sites in Derbyshire.
Gabby is a local resident to the Avenue housing estate and has been a volunteer
since Spring 2022. Gabby contributes a valuable amount of time to both
neighbouring Avenue sites. As well as participating in weekly practical
volunteering sessions, she also utilises her experience as a teacher to assist
seasonal events, guided walks and monthly junior ranger and nature tots sessions.
Quoting Gabby’s nomination: “Over the past year, Gabby has shown tremendous
passion, care and commitment not only for the local community, but for the
enhancement of the reserves and wildlife.
“Gabby has been a vital support for the site ranger on numerous occasions.
Gabby’s help and support over the past year is truly commendable.”

Well done, and thank you, Gabby.
Avenue Country Park
© Nick Rhodes

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