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River Rat Volunteers

2023 - 2024

This years campaign is now complete.

We finished on Thursday 1st February with a bonfire of this years trimmings. 

The next season will start in the autumn and the date will be available here.

The more who do this the quicker it can progress and all that is required is 2 - 3 hours on Thursday mornings - to suit you.

Please let Chard Wadley know on the Email address below so that coffee & teas can be arranged and you will be included in Emails advising times and locations for each future session.

It is important that volunteers register their interest with Chard so that the location and start time can be sent to them.

HISTORY 

For several years The River Rat Volunteers have maintained the river environment through the village by cutting back old growth, removing dead trees and digging out silt from the river bed.

The section of the river covered is from the small bridge opposite the cemetery to the whalebones.

Sometimes we do it in reverse - just to set ourselves a challenge! 

Two years ago we started in the middle.

We usually work Thursday morning - depending on the weather.

PURPOSE

Keeping the river clear of vegetation and flowing freely is an ongoing task which we carry out every year from October through to March. This leaves the river free for wildlife to flourish during the spring and summer months. Since we started we have had sightings of Water Voles, Mallard Ducks and a Kingfisher.

RECOGNITION

On the 20th March 2014 we received the Community Achievement Award 2013/2014 from Mid Suffolk District Council.

Community Award

This was for ‘ ... an outstanding contribution to the local community’. This award is normally given to individuals. We were the first group to receive this recognition. 

 

SUPPORT

If you have 2 to 3 hours free time once a week, like to dress up and be useful to the village please contact Chard Wadley by Email at riverratgroup@gmail.com.
Working gloves and high visibility vests are supplied and you get to meet a friendly group who also enjoy dressing up!