Sustrans East Midlands Regional Volunteer Conference 2014

On Saturday 22nd November, the Sustrans East Midlands Volunteer conference was held in the centre of Nottingham.

Following refreshments and an introduction we took part in some exercises relevant to our roles as rangers including route maintenance and greener greenways.  Following this we had a ride through Nottingham city centre on one of the City bikes provided for the day. 


Preparing the city bikes for action

The ride took us along the Beeston Canal to the River Trent.  We cycled up the embankment to the pedestrian bridge before cycling along the opposite embankment under Trent Bridge then under the Trent End Stand of the Nottingham Forest City Ground.


Cycling towards the City Ground

A little further up we reached the Hook, which is a nature reserve alongside the River Trent.  The chairman of the Friends of the Hook, Sam, then gave us a guided tour of the area and showed us several of the different areas of the reserve and explained some of the challenges faced and achievements made.  More information can be found on http://www.friendsofthehook.org.uk/wp/


Part of the Hook Nature reserve

Following the tour around we then headed back.  The peace and serenity of the nature reserve soon gave way to the noise and bustle of a city centre including a League 1 football match at Notts County, followed by a busy city centre.



Heading back towards the city

The event was, as always, good for networking and understanding other rangers issues and successes and new contacts were made.  There was also a number of volunteer awards given.  Another good day.