Wanted more goose scarers in York – Never volunteer?

The old army motto, seems to have passed the York Council by.

In a report to a meeting taking place next week, the Council provides a long list of activities which are currently undertaken by volunteers.

  • ‘Sustrans’ uses many volunteers to help maintain the cycle route network. Volunteers also work with Sustrans to help promote cycling more generally. Some of these volunteers are also coordinated through St Nicholas’ Fields.
  • ‘York Health Walks’ organise the ‘Walking for Health’ programme. c25 volunteers lead the walks. They are currently advertising for an additional walk leader in the Foxwood area
  • ‘Bike Belles’ runs social bike rides, bike maintenance workshops and cycling with tots’ sessions.
  • Part of the grant given by the Council to “York Wheels” is a contribution to funding their ‘volunteer car scheme’. 28 individuals provide this important service which enables elderly and infirm residents to stay in their own homes.
  • Public Rights of Way Survey work 5-6 volunteers regularly give their time (every May and November) to undertake the rights of way survey. This consists of a random survey of 25% of the York rights of way network.
  • Air Quality Assessment One of the areas the Council believe ‘volunteers’ could provide significant assistance is collecting and replacing the diffusion tubes which are located on lamp posts around the city. The tubes – which are collected over two days each month – help give an indication of the air quality at those locations.

There area one or two less obvious potential pastimes on the Councils list

  • Gardeners – 112 In various parks – friend’s groups
  • Litter Pickers – 157 – individuals and groups- work over and above our visits
  • Lockers / Unlockers – 81- of various parks
  • Bailiffs – 12
  • Goose Scarers – 8
  • Trail Builders – 7
  • Snow Wardens – 214
  • Balsam Bashers – 3
  • Leaf Blowers – 4

Goose scarers sound a bit Elizabethan to us.