Funds needed to keep New Forest volunteer scheme going
The funding that helps train the volunteers has been cut
The New Forest Trust is fundraising to help their conservation volunteer scheme continue.
The National Lottery funding that pays for the volunteers coordination, training and equipment has come to an end.
It's as a partnership appeal has been launched with the National Park Authority who want to get 600 volunteers back outside to help care for the New Forest.
200 volunteers are already involved but they would like to triple that to 600.
Current volunteers have undertaken critical work including conserving woodlands, creating hedgerows, planting trees and carrying out surveys.
William Ziegler, Chairman of the New Forest Trust (registered charity number 1099420), said: "The New Forest is a unique environment which contains numerous rare species and the work of the volunteers is vital in trying to ensure their continued existence in the face of ever-increasing pressures.
"We're calling on all our residents and businesses to please each give a little this week so we can double their money and provide a much-needed boost to the volunteering programme, which is in danger of grinding to a halt."
Richard Austin, Volunteer, Training and Mentoring Coordinator at the NPA, said as well as supporting the New Forest and its communities, volunteering provides huge health and wellbeing benefits.
"Our volunteers tell us that volunteering is life-changing and improves not only their physical health but their wellbeing too. So we are desperately keen to get our volunteers back out in the Forest not only to help nature recover but also help people recover from the pandemic when it's safe to do so."
Jo Shorrocks has been volunteering on wildlife conservation projects for the NPA since 2016. Jo said: "There are so many benefits to volunteering. You've got the fresh air, you've got the exercise, you've got the company, but it is the education side that is a benefit for me in particular.
"The people that run these tasks are experts in their field and they are very happy to pass on their knowledge. It helps you to appreciate and understand what's around you a lot more. I do feel it's effectively a form of mindfulness that you don't necessarily know you're doing, but you are."
The Trust has entered into the Big Give's Green Match Fund to raise £2,500 in one week and the money will be doubled to £5,000 by the Fund to support volunteering work.
Fundraising for this can be done by Thursday 22nd April, you can donate here.