Natural England joins the 25th Hour campaign
29 March 2010
Natural England is delighted to be a part of the 25th Hour campaign, launched today by the Government Olympic Executive, the body responsible for building a legacy from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games across the UK. The aim of the 25th Hour campaign is to harness the nation’s enthusiasm for volunteering for 2012 and building a legacy for the future.
This nationwide campaign aims to use the inspirational power of the Olympic and Paralympic Games to motivate the British public to give time in their communities. The 25th Hour campaign, which has received the London 2012 Inspire Mark, will build over the next 28 months to create a lasting legacy that will touch all parts of the UK.
The 25th Hour, which is separate to the official London 2012 Volunteer programme, is based on the idea that we can all find the extra hour and more to make a difference. It will tap into the existing enthusiasm among individuals to give time to the places where they live and work.
There are a number of ways people can become involved in volunteering with Natural England. The first is through the network of National Nature Reserves around England, where volunteering can involve a range of different activities from direct land management to providing a welcome for visitors. There is also the opportunity to get involved with Natural England’s Walking for Health programme which offers training for people to become accredited walk leaders - supporting people who lack confidence or fitness to get outdoors in their local neighbourhood. You could even sign up as a volunteer bat warden and help give advice to members of the public who have discovered bats on their property.
The 25th Hour will also celebrate the outstanding contributions of exceptional time givers with a range of rewards, including 2,012 pairs of tickets to see the dress rehearsal of the 2012 Olympic Games Opening Ceremony.
Natural England joins a coalition of organisations that support the campaign, including:
The National Young Volunteers’ Service, Paralympics GB, UK Athletics, British Cycling, Amateur Boxing Association of England , The Football Association, England and Wales Cricket Board, Rugby Football Union, LOCAL Government Association, Access Sport, UK Sport, English Federation of Disability Sport, London Coaching Foundation, CCPR, British Red Cross, Marie Curie Cancer Care, British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research UK, Macmillan Cancer Support, Breast Cancer Care, Catch22, Volunteering England, Volunteer Development Scotland, Wales Council for Voluntary Action, Volunteer Development Agency, National Association for Voluntary and Community Action, Youthnet, UK Youth, Clubs for Young People, Duke of Edinburgh's Award, Dame Kelly Holmes Legacy Trust, Media Trust, BTCV, The Waterways Trust and Society of Editors.
To find out more about how to give time visit the 25th Hour website
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