Countryside Management Association News

Formed in 1966, CMA links professionals working in a range of environments from Urban and Country Parks to National Parks, Local and National Nature Reserves and other protected areas. Members are employed in a variety of different roles from Rangers and Wardens to Project Officers, Rights of Way Officers and Ecologists and for a variety of organisations including Local Authorities, National Park Authorities, the Forestry Commission, National Trust, Wildlife Trusts, Water Authorities and English Nature.

CMA’s diverse membership is linked by common themes such as conservation management, information and interpretation, environmental education, sustainability, social inclusion, recreation management and environmental protection. CMA aims to:

* Be an effective and professional membership organisation offering a structure for continuing professional development
* Promote professional and sustainable development of the countryside and urban greenspace
* Inform the decision making process of organisations involved in the management of the countryside and urban greenspace
* Provide information, training and authoritative comment on countryside and urban greenspace issues

CMA provides a number of services to its members including:

* Professional accreditation - through a National Standards-based competence assessment system supported by Mentors and a Review Panel
* Professional Development - through a Continuing Professional Development system
* Training and Study days - a programme of regional and national opportunities
* Ranger Magazine - a quarterly magazine including events, news and articles
* Membership Newsletter - providing information on current CMA issues and events
* Regional Newsletter - news, views, events and articles
* Annual Conference - preferential rates for this topical event
* Regional Contacts - through regional committees, training, events and activities
* National Network - through CMA events, publications and liaison with external partners
* International Links - exchanges, seminars and conferences through affiliation to the International Ranger Federation.

A CHANCE to do your bit for the environment is being offered by Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, when volunteers tackle conservation work near Stratford.

A working party will clean up a stretch of the River Arrow, in the Welcombe Hills, on September 16.

On September 17, there will be a guided walk around the Welcombe Hills reserve, starting at 10am from Maidenhead Road, Stratford, and costing £2 per person.

For information on volunteering, phone Steve Godfrey on 01789 765536.

For more details about the walk, phone Ian Jelley on 024 7630 8998.