National Volunteer Week 1 – 7 June
1 June 2010
Worcestershire National Nature Reserve offers new opportunity for locals to help restore ancient woodland
This week (1 – 7 June) is National Volunteer Week and in Worcestershire a very special opportunity is opening up for anyone interested in traditional forestry.
Natural England and the Wyre Community Land Trust are teaming up to offer a limited number of local volunteers the chance to contribute to the restoration of the ancient landscape of the Wyre Forest National Nature Reserve, near Bewdley, using traditional methods to help re-establish ancient woodland, traditional orchards and help manage ancient wildflower meadows.
Volunteer days will be held every Wednesday from the 16th June onwards with weekend tasks organised on the second Sunday of each month, starting this month on the 13th June.
John Iles from the Wyre Community Land Trust said:
“The forest used to feature in the lives of just about everyone who lived in the area, whether they worked as woodsmen or charcoal makers, grazed animals or simply helped out with the seasonal picking of fruit from the once extensive orchards. We want to give people the chance to experience that same connection with the natural landscape on their doorsteps.”
In the past the Wyre Forest was extensively managed as coppice, with small plots being cut every few years to produce charcoal, fire wood and timber products such as pit props. Natural England is working to restore this traditional way of working as it helps to diversify the age and species structure of the woodland and to support the iconic Fritillary butterflies for which the forest is so famous.
Saul Herbert from Natural England said:
“We hope that our new volunteer programme will give small groups of volunteers the chance to find out more about the natural environment on this very special site and the practical work will vary from week to week and from season to season, so volunteers will learn lots of new skills. It is also really rewarding, after even one days work, to be able to stand back and see the lasting effect of your own work on the landscape of the forest.”
The volunteer programme will be jointly managed by Natural England and the Wyre Community Land Trust, and each day will involve a specific task so volunteers can choose whether to come along regularly or more occasionally.
In the UK 71% of adults volunteered in some way last year with 47% volunteering at least once a month.
Anyone interested in getting involved should ring or email Saul Herbert to ensure there are places available. 0300 060 2707, or (mobile and at weekends) 07525 968440 or email Saul.Herbert@naturalengland.org.uk.
Wyre Forest is 1 km north west of Bewdley (on the A456) and 7 km west of Kidderminster
For press information contact Judie Kellie on 01299 896 555/ 07973 744161 judie@jkpr.co.uk or Dean Gallen on Dean.G.Gallen@naturalengland.org.uk
Photos are available on request
-ends-
Notes to editors
The Wyre Forest NNR is managed by Natural England (www.naturalengland.org.uk
) and the Forestry Commission (www.forestry.gov.uk). In the past the area was intensively managed to produce charcoal and timber products and Natural England is restoring the coppice system to help diversify the age and species structure of the woodland.
National Nature Reserves
There are 225 National Nature Reserves in England and they offer ideal opportunities for observing birds and wildlife. Many of them offer volunteer programmes from time to time.
They were initially established to protect sensitive features and to provide ‘outdoor laboratories’ for research. Their purpose has widened since those early days and now, as well as managing some of our most pristine habitats, our rarest species and our most significant geology, most NNRs offer great opportunities to the public as well as schools and specialist audiences to experience England’s natural heritage.
If you would like more information about this event or others on your local National Nature Reserves visit www.naturalengland.org.uk
Natural England is the government’s independent advisor on the natural environment. Established in 2006 our work is focused on enhancing England’s wildlife and landscapes and maximising the benefits they bring to the public.
The Wyre Community Land Trust is a social enterprise based at Uncllys Farm in the middle of the Wyre Forest whose role is to bring derelict orchards and meadows back to life, promote volunteering and the understanding of ways of conserving and protecting this very special landscape. Contact 01299 488083 or john@wyreclt.org.uk
