The Inspector Calls
Report generated 30-04-2024 by the National NCV Inspectorate OFVol.
Dear Volunteer Co-ordinator
Thank you for allowing the OFVol inspectors to accompany your group of conservation volunteers in Hackfall Woods today. It is a number of years since standards within the group were checked and the inspectorate felt that an inspection without notice was the best way to ensure a true picture was gained of how you and your colleagues operate. Our findings, supported with photographic evidence, are set out below.
Morale within the team.
This appeared high throughout the day despite the often demanding nature of the tasks and the group being under seige from swarms of viscious, giant sized midges. These can be seen as grey flecks on many of the pictures.
The group worked well as a team and supported each other throughout.
It was heartening to see the more experienced members of the group cascading skills to newer members - such as during the construction of a dead hedge.
GRADE: Outstanding
Uniform.
Although the majority of the group were wearing the correctly logo'd outfits, there were some who were flouting the regulations with regard to the new 'National Landscapes' insignia. As these were, in the main, new to the group, this issue will be set as a 'target for improvement' rather than a point of failure requiring special measures.
It was also noted that only one member of the team had access to a much needed midge head-dress. You are advised to inform your group that they would be wise to purchase one of these given climate change and the likelihood of increased numbers of insect attacks.
GRADE: Area for improvement
Skills.
Each volunteer seemed to have a good grasp of the knowledge and skills needed to carry out their tasks.
We were particularly impressed with this NCV's abilty to create a roman mosaic like surface with what he found to hand.
Another NCV , clearly very keen to maintain high standards of workmanship, used the little known (but extremely effective) method of checking stones against the 'Wobbability Scale' - first devised in 1904.
GRADE: Outstanding
Health and safety.
Tools were deployed effectively and safely.
We were impressed by the NVC who was able to use a spade whilst, at the same time, practising yoga and doing a deep forward bend.
Everyone finished the day in one piece and no injuries were sustained. We were glad to see that you called a halt to the task when one member of the group became too exhausted to stand.
Sufficient first aid kits were available, if they had been needed, including a defibrillator.
.GRADE: OutstandingCake provision.
This was sadly lacking. Luckily volunteers were able to provide their own sustenance to maintain energy levels during breaks.
GRADE: Could do better
Planned outcomes of the day.
The target for the day was achieved - namely a set of usable steps was created to allow visitors to enter the woodland in safety.
This was a great improvement on what had previously been a slippery soil slope when work got underway.
This couple felt the steps were of excellent quality when asked to test them out. Two other walkers declared that they would no longer have to go down sideways.
The dirction to be followed was clearly demarcated.
GRADE: Outstanding
OVERALL GRADE: It is felt that a single word assessment in this case would be inappropriate as there were only two minor points for improvement, which would have downgraded an otherwise excellent outcome to inadequate.
Next inspection due between Jan 2026 and December 2027.
Signed: Montague Arbuthnot
