Could you be a Woodland Welcomer at Dorset's Duncliffe Wood?
The Woodland Trust wants to increase volunteer numbers
The call's gone out for people to sign up as Woodland Welcomers at sites like North Dorset's Duncliffe Wood.
The Woodland Trust is looking to boost its volunteers number, 'to make a difference in their community and help people discover nature'
They're especially after people to show off Duncliffe, near Shaftesbury |newtab), to more visitors.
Nature-lovers with a few hours to spare a week would meet and greet visitors, helping them discover why the wood is so special and why we need to look after it for future generations.
Woodland Trust estate manager Ian Froggatt said:
“Woodland Welcomers will be vital eyes and ears on the ground, raising awareness of the importance of woodland and talking about the vital work of the Woodland Trust.
“It’s also great for people’s wellbeing, helping visitors get the most from their time in nature, enjoying fresh air and lovely scenery, while generating a sense of community around the site.”
Duncliffe Wood is an ancient woodland sits on the twin summits of Duncliffe Hill, mentioned in the Domesday Book.
Visitors can enjoy seeing butterflies, bats, birds and wonderful wildflowers, such as moschatel, yellow archangel, wood speedwell and early-purple orchid.
Woodland experts will give volunteers all the training and support they need to welcome visitors, helping the local community to value and understand more about woods, trees and wildlife and in turn encouraging them to visit respectfully.
The Woodland Welcomers |newtab)role is part of the ‘People and Woods: Getting better together’ project, which is funded by the Government’s Green Recovery Challenge Fund.
The Woodland Trust has more than 500,000 members and supporters and cares for over 1,000 free, publicly accessible sites all over the UK.