The south Notts volunteers need YOU!

John Rowley

Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust reserves depend on volunteer work parties to help maintain their habitat. This is part of our tradition: the original Nottinghamshire Trust for Nature Conservation was founded by volunteers over 45 years ago, people who decided that action was needed as well as words in preventing loss of wildlife and habitat. Today we still need people who will act in this way.

Bluebells flowering in the coppice (above) Bunny Wood reserve work party on Toothill (below) [Photos: Chris Terrell-Nield]

Our work-parties always want new volunteers, to replace people who are moving away or retiring, to offer new ideas and to provide extra hands for tackling more ambitious tasks.

Bunny Wood (West) nature reserve is a case in point. This is ancient woodland covering some 16 hectares (approx 35 acres) about 8 miles south of Nottingham. It is an important base for many NWT activities. But its work party has recently lost several people, and reserve manager Chris Terrell-Nield says he is now finding it difficult to cover some activities, such as a recent reserve open day. He is also concerned that he may not be able to run a full programme of traditional woodland maintenance (coppicing, hedge-laying, etc.) due this autumn.

Work parties are sociable and new members quickly feel at home. Equipment and training are provided. Joining in gives you some fresh air and exercise (better than the gym!). And if you’re considering a career in environmental work, valuable experience.

So, what are you waiting for? Give Chris a call now on 0115 937 4906!

Or if you’d prefer to volunteer at one of our other reserves, contact details for their managers are on the Work Parties page...