Environmental Volunteering

Matthew Watts

9th March 2009

Environmental Volunteering

Volunteering in East London

• Some of the most deprived communities in UK

• Higher levels of litter, vandalism, graffiti etc

• Issues with access to nature

• People concerned with local issues

Local Environment Programme

• Vision: – ‘for communities surrounding the Olympic Park to secure

lasting environmental benefits by exploiting the catalytic effect of the Games’

• Two outcomes– Improved environmental quality– Increase environmental awareness, capacity and skills of local

community

Our Plans

• Raise profile of existing initiatives

• Assist community led action

• Working with our Partners

Existing Initiatives

• Greening the Greenway

• Enhancement of London’s waterways

• Protection of the Lee Valley

• Green Gyms

• Addressing deficiency of trees in parts of east London

Community Led Initiatives

• Creation of Community Fund

• £20K for small scale local initiatives

• Signposting to existing community resources e.g. toolkits, other sources of funding etc

Future Plans

• Continued support of locally led projects

• Creation of new initiatives

• Employment opportunities

Milestones

Programme Launch

Community Fund Opens

Volunteers Consultation Completed

Review & Plan Next Steps

19th March April 2009 June 2009 Summer 2009

Contact Details

Matthew Watts

Manager, Local Environment Programme

matthew.watts@london2012.com

www.london2012.com