According the 2017 Nature in Rushcliffe Report a record 10,200 hours of volunteer time (valued at £192,000) were recorded last year and represent a phenomenal donation of time. The chances ever being able to fund anything even close to that level of activity makes you realize how important these volunteers are to maintaining the valuable habitats that support our local populations of wildflowers, insects, birds and mammals. An invaluable resource.

And this figure does not take into account the people who spend there time going out recording our wildlife, nor for the equally valuable backroom folk who run committees, fundraising, leading wildlife walks and publizing wildlife issues. Whilst Rushcliffe Borough Council does fund some activity and staff from charities like Notts Wildlife Trust do work locally, the majority of the effort is provided by people like yourself giving a bit of time, perhaps a couple of hours a month, on a regular basis,.

But we can still do more and Reserve Work Parties, such as Bingham Linear Park, Lily Ponds (Radcliffe on Trent) Meadow Park (East Leake), Sharphill Wood, Skylarks, Wilwell Cutting and Wilford Claypits (for a full list and details see www.southnottswildlife.org.uk and click on reserves tab – nature reserves) would always welcome additional help in carrying out a range of conservation tasks. including coppicing, grassland management, fence and path work, pond maintenance and very likely more. As a reward the work provides you with the opportunity of fresh air and exercise with a grand group of folk as well.

So do your bit for wildlife and get in touch. If you want more information about how you can help contact gordon.dyne@gmail.com or 0115 8784842.