Croydon's British Trust for Conservation Volunteers is taking a leading role in encouraging community involvement in local conservation and environmental initiatives with the appointment of Dave Johnson to the new Croydon Council post of community development officer.

The post, initially for one year, has been funded by the council's Smarter Croydon programme. No stranger to these issues, Dave has been working as a volunteer officer with Croydon BTCV for the past six months.

In his new role he will be organising and promoting environmental and conservation projects including clean-up, education, public awareness and planting events at six sites in the borough, supporting the work of local people themselves. The sites are: Birchwood Copse, Danebury and The Lindens (all in New Addington);Stambourne Woodland Copse, Upper Norwood;Brickfields Meadow, Woodside and Roffey Woods, Coulsdon.

Said Dave: "With over 120 parks and open spaces Croydon is already one of the leafiest London boroughs, and can boast a proactive, forward-thinking

attitude towards conservation and

environmental issues.

"I am really looking forward to the challenge of this new post and getting local people actively involved in driving forward the projects earmarked."

Those interested in helping at any of the six sites can contact Croydon BTCV for more information on 020 8760 5405, or by e.mail at croydon@BTCV.org.uk