Northam Burrows rangers seek volunteers for late summer and autumn conservation work in Torridge

Volunteer recruitment is underway once again in Torridge for an exciting new programme of conservation projects on Northam Burrows, Kenwith Valley and other local area nature reserves. This year, as well as the familiar scrub clearance and meadow improvement tasks, the rangers have also planned a complimentary nature recovery programme to give a boost to a wider range of sites across the district.

The extended programme will include work to establish greater numbers of wildlife corridors, making habitats more resilient and better able to support a wider variety of wildlife and flora. The events kick off from early August running right through to the beginning of December, and as usual, will be heavily reliant on a willing volunteer workforce to partner with the rangers in their tasks. This year's projects start with meadow management works designed to establish a number of vibrant wildflower meadows to better support our important pollinators such as bees and butterflies. This will be followed by equally important scrub clearance, coppicing and reedbed management works leading up to Christmas.

Many people have learnt new skills from previous volunteering and the events have proven to be a great way for people to get closer to nature and enjoy the company of like-minded local residents. Rangers hope that the more diverse range of tasks for this year's programme will attract even more people to give up their time in a good cause.

Councillor Cheryl Cottle Hunkin - Lead Member for Culture and Community Engagement said:

"I'm really excited about the new programme of volunteer events put together by our rangers, which will encourage further biodiversity across the district. The recent BioBlitz day on the burrows added 189 previously not recorded species to our records which is a testament to the hard work of volunteers and rangers in creating better habitats and conditions for wildlife to flourish. We always start each season with a blank sheet but I hope that everyone reading this will be inspired to get in touch and join our rangers in this important work. Also don't forget all the fun and educational family events on the burrows throughout August as well!"

All volunteer events are free to attend and usually take place between 10am and 3pm starting with a meadow management event at Harvest Lane, Bideford on 9^th August. All equipment will be provided but pre-booking is essential, and more information can be found by emailing northam.burrows@torridge.gov.uk or calling 01237 479708.

27 July 2023