If one of your new year’s resolutions is to spend more time outdoors, learn new skills or meet new people, you might want to look at the volunteering opportunities available with the Rangers at Torridge District Council.
Volunteer recruitment is underway once again for an exciting new programme of conservation projects on Northam Burrows, Gatefield Community Grassland and Kenwith Valley. This year, as well as the various nature conservation tasks, there are two tree planting sessions at Gatefield, where there are plans to plant 1,000 trees.
This year’s projects start with wildflower meadow management works at Gatefield on Wednesday 8 January, followed by:
- Monday 13 January, Harvest mouse survey, Northam Burrows Country Park
- Saturday 18 January, Tree planting at Gatefield, Bideford
- Wednesday 22 January, Tree planting at Gatefield, Bideford
- Wednesday 5 February, Wildflower meadow management, Kenwith Valley
- Saturday 15 February, Beach Clean at Westward Ho! Slipway
- Wednesday 5 March, Wildflower verge management, Cattle Market Carpark, Bideford
- Wednesday 19 March, Dune Fencing, Northam Burrows Country Park
- Saturday 29 March, Beach Clean at Westward Ho! Slipway
Councillor Cheryl Cottle Hunkin, lead member for culture and community engagement said: “It’s great to see this new programme of volunteering events put together by our rangers, which will help care for our lovely country park and local nature reserves. It’s such a brilliant way for people to learn new skills and get closer to nature, as well as a lovely way for the community to get to know one another.
“I hope people reading this will be inspired to get in touch, get outdoors and join in with this important work; what a great way to start 2025.”
All volunteer events are free to attend and usually take place between 10am and 3pm. All equipment will be provided but pre-booking is essential. Email northam.burrows@torridge.gov.uk or call 01237 479708 for more information.