The Field Society has been offering Conservation Breaks to Lundy since 1984. The work undertaken is vital to the welfare of the island and encouraged by the Landmark Trust who assist in these activities by providing free accommodation to those who go there to do such work. Effective conservation not only safeguards sensitive environments but can also help to enrich them. In addition, visitors to Lundy benefit greatly from the maintenance carried out by these dedicated conservationists. We are not the only organisation to do this kind of work. Other groups with an interest in conservation on Lundy also co-ordinate such parties. Overall, the combined efforts of these organisations and the Field Society amount to hundreds of man-hours of conservation work.
The work undertaken is a mixture of tasks that support Lundy's warden in protecting the ecology and natural beauty of Lundy. The majority of work revolves around the management and control of the island's large rhododendron stands which, although an outstanding feature of Lundy, require constant attention to stop their spread into more ecologically sensitive areas. In particular the Lundy Cabbage (Coincya wrightii), a plant found only on Lundy, is under constant threat from the encroachment of these rhododendron stands into some of its established growing areas. Other work includes the more familiar blend of drystone walling, path maintenance, culvert clearance and a host of diverse conservation projects vital to preserving the distinctive environment that Lundy enjoys.
You will need to make your own way to the departure port and will be expected to pay for your food, etc. whilst on Lundy - usually about £25.00. We recommend that you bring some hardwearing clothes and sturdy boots. Working hours are 8:00am to 4:00pm, starting on the day after your arrival and ending the day before your departure. There will be a day off on Wednesday to allow you time to explore and enjoy Lundy. The tasks are challenging but not without reward - ask anybody who has participated in a previous Conservation Break! Accommodation is provided free of charge by the Landmark Trust and the Field Society will pay your boat fare.
Each year there is a choice of a number of Conservation Breaks - the dates of which are shown below. If you wish to join us please complete and return the form as soon as possible with a £10.00 deposit. This will be sent to your Conservation Break leader to help pay towards your food bill. (Please note that there is an additional charge of £25.00 for those who are not members of the Society).
2010 dates are as follows:
| Dates | Places available |
|---|---|
| Fri 19th - Sat 27th March | 14 places in The Barn |
| Sat 18th - Sat 25th September | 14 places in The Barn |
The Barn has a bunk style sleeping arrangement in two rooms and you are expected to take your own bedding. Numbers will be limited by the accommodation available and places will be allocated on a first come first served basis. Regrettably, we are unable to accept children under the age of sixteen on Conservation Breaks.
If you would like to book a place on one of the breaks, please download and return the form (which also contains this information).
For more details email Trevor Dobie