Last week Rachel was joined by Luciana Berger for a visit to Hollybush BTCV in Kirkstall.

BTCV which stands for British Trust for Conservation Volunteers and is currently the largest environmental volunteering charity, aims to ‘’Create a more sustainable future by inspiring people and improving places’’.

At the visit, Rachel was able to meet a number of people and volunteers who were benefitting from the schemes run by Hollybush. One of the young people Rachel spoke to had started off working at Hollybush as a volunteer and was now a paid employee working 2 days a week in the office and 2 days a week on projects such as helping schools build vegetable gardens and wild flower areas.

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Although the main focus of the BTCV is on practical conservation work-it also provides training for young people, people with special needs and those returning to a work environment for the first time in a number of years

Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury & Leeds West MP Rachel Reeves, said:

“I am always impressed when I visit this ‘hands on’ local charitable project. It was great to hear that in 2011 over 400 people got involved with Hollybush as volunteers and trainees. With spring just around the corner there is no better time to give those green fingers a work out with BTCV Hollybush, lots of opportunities for people in Leeds West to volunteer and make a difference at the same time!”

Shadow Climate Change Minister Luciana Berger, said:

"It was fantastic to visit Hollybush today and see the great work they are doing. This is an organisation which understands that we can take steps to reduce our carbon footprint - such as introducing their new wood pellet burner – while also helping people develop new skills and get back into work."

BTCV is also undertaking a replacement of their gas boiler with a low carbon alternative to run hot water radiator system. The boiler will be ‘clean burn pellet fired’ and has been a significant investment.