Month: November 2024

National Tree Week (NTW), from The Tree Council and partners, marks the traditional start of the winter tree planting season. At this time of year, trees are dormant and so experience the least stress when being placed in their new homes – to hopefully thrive into maturity, bringing huge nature, wellbeing and biodiversity benefits to all.

Cllr Elissa Swinglehurst, Cabinet Member Environment, said: “Herefordshire has one of the most vibrant and beautiful natural environments in the whole country, and trees are a priceless part of that. As part of National Tree Week, we are inviting individuals, environmental and landowning groups, industries and wider stakeholders to have their say on our county’s trees, hedgerows and woodlands.

“This consultation will help to shape the Tree Strategy, which will set out an overarching strategy for both the protection and enhancement of tree coverage across Herefordshire. This includes an aspiration to increase our street trees and canopy coverage within the urban environment, as well as the trees, hedgerows and woodland within the rural county.”

The consultation, which is being carried out by LUC on behalf of Herefordshire Council, will close on Sunday 8 December 2024.

The survey, along with further information, can be found on the website.

Meanwhile, The Tree Council has created lots of resources, from activities for little ones, to advice on choosing the ‘right tree for the right place’. They are available for download through the National Tree Week webpage.

Visit www.nationaltreeweek.org.uk to find tree planting events, connect with all The Tree Council’s partner organisations, and access lots of fun and interactive Tree Party resources.

The Tree Council CEO, Sara Lom said: “We are delighted to be celebrating National Tree Week, which provides a fantastic opportunity for all of us to come together for the love of trees.

“Trees and hedgerows help us tackle climate change, provide homes for wildlife, improve our health and so much more. We need to help them back and by getting involved, you’ll be part of growing a greener, tree-filled future for all of us.”

The Department for Transport announced this week (Monday 18 November) that Herefordshire Council is to receive a financial grant of £3,257,185 to support bus services in the county.

Councillor Philip Price, Cabinet member for Transport and Infrastructure said: “Local bus services are vitally important for people in our county who do not have a car, particularly older and young people. We very much welcome this additional funding which will support us to maintain, protect and improve crucial and much valued services across our county, connecting people and communities.”

The revenue element of the grant funding, around £1.8million, will be used to extend the services that are currently supported by grant funding.

The decision about how the remainder is spent will be made by the Herefordshire Enhanced Partnership, which is an official partnership between the council and the bus operators where decisions about the distribution and investment of Government grants to improve bus travel are made.

The refreshed programme opens up chances for anyone who is passionate about history, culture, arts, and helping others to play a role in the county’s Museum Service.

The Museum Service has introduced new six-month volunteering placements based around current projects. This will support short-term projects focused on collections care, cataloguing and visitor engagement, while enabling volunteers to gain varied experiences across the service.

Damian Etheraads, Museum and Art Gallery Lead at Herefordshire Council said: “Our volunteering opportunities are for anyone who’s passionate about history, art and culture. We’re eager to welcome people from all backgrounds to join our volunteer team. No prior experience is needed—just a willingness to learn and a few hours a week to spare. Full training will be provided for all roles.”

Volunteer opportunities available now

Current projects available now are:

• Clearing the backlog – Accessioning (processing objects being added to the collections)
• Organising the insects – Entomology
• Hats and Bonnets- Costume
• Domestic Bliss – Social History
• Stone stories – Archaeology (Lithics)
• Improving visitor experiences – Engagement Volunteering

All roles are based at the Museum Resource and Learning Centre or the Black & White House Museum in Hereford. Volunteers receive full training, and flexible schedules are available to suit a range of availability.

Looking to the Future

If the current roles aren’t quite the right fit, there will be more opportunities advertised in six months, providing plenty of chances to get involved in upcoming projects..

Volunteers will have the opportunity to develop new skills, make valuable connections, and play a key part in preserving and celebrating Herefordshire’s heritage. Volunteers will also receive free entry to the Black & White House Museum, along with training and social events.

For more information

To find out more and to get more details on each role, email us at herefordmuseums@herefordshire.gov.uk. The deadline for Expressions of Interest is Monday, 2 December at 12pm.

About Herefordshire Museum Service

Herefordshire Museum Service manages three unique sites, including the iconic Black & White House Museum, the Museum Resource and Learning Centre, and the Hereford Museum and Art Gallery, which is currently undergoing redevelopment. The Museum Service’s mission is to bring history to life for both residents and visitors through engaging exhibitions, educational events, and the preservation of Herefordshire’s heritage