Local nature conservation charity Worcestershire Wildlife Trust is inviting people to join more than 400 volunteers across the county to help their work for wildlife.

There are plenty of volunteering opportunities to get down and dirty on their nature reserves, undertaking practical conservation work to help wildlife and the environment. Taster sessions are being run to help potential volunteers get a feel for what they’ll be able to get involved in.

Joe Gillard, volunteer development officer for the Trust, explained “With the over-indulgences of Christmas behind us, and with everything that’s been happening over the last couple of years, this is a great time to take a fresh look at the year ahead and do something to help our beautiful natural world whilst also meeting new people and getting fit.

“We couldn’t do what we do for wildlife without our volunteers who are involved in almost every aspect of our work. Our practical conservation volunteers help to make our nature reserves even better for the wildlife that lives there; with more than 75 nature reserves across Worcestershire, there are opportunities close to home for most people.”

Volunteer work parties take place on both weekdays and weekends and volunteers can get involved as often as they would like to.  No experience is necessary as training is given, all the Trust asks for is enthusiasm and a willingness to get stuck in.

During January and February the Trust is running a series of taster sessions to provide an introduction to the kind of work that they might get involved with. Each session offers an overview of the nature reserve as well as the chance to do some practical conservation.

• Sun 16^th January – Blackhouse Wood nature reserve, between Alfrick and Suckley
• Sun 30^th January – Piper’s Hill and Dodderhill Commons nature reserve, near Hanbury
• Sat 19^th February – The Devil’s Spittleful nature reserve, between Stourport and Bewdley

Joe continued “New volunteers will receive a warm welcome and have the chance to make new friends and learn new skills. Some of the work can feel tough but the sense of satisfaction when you can see what you’ve achieved for wildlife is great.

“Of course, practical conservation isn’t everyone’s cup of tea and we’ve got lots more opportunities – from being wildlife gardening advisors to doing historic research, admin support to helping inspire the next generation. Have a look at the volunteering pages of our website to see how you’d like to go wild in 2022.

“January is the time of year when we try to shake off our bad habits, work off our Christmas puds and look afresh at our lives. Volunteering offers the chance to do all of this and more so why not make it your number one New Year’s Resolution.”

People who are interested in volunteering but are unable to make any of the taster sessions are advised to check out the Trust’s volunteer information or to get in touch with Joe direct (or call 01905 754919 and leave a message). Work parties take place across the county and everyone will be given a warm welcome – no experience is necessary to get involved.