Rangers looking to recruit volunteer task force to help with autumn and winter conservation projects

As the summer draws to a close the Northam Burrows rangers are preparing for a busy Autumn of nature conservation work and the call has gone out for volunteers to help with the next round of vital tasks. Help from volunteers to look after the Country Park and other Local Nature Reserves is crucial for the protection of the local environment but also offers a great way for people to get outdoors, keep fit and have some fun with like-minded people.

The ranger team has organised a full programme of events for the community to get involved in, with an opportunity to learn more about nature and learn some new skills. The programme kicks off on Wednesday, 21 August with seed harvesting (morning only) at Gatefield Meadow, Bideford.

Other events include:

• Wednesday 28 August - Wildflower verge management - Cattle Market car park, Bideford
• Tuesday 3 September - Water germander survey, Northam Burrows
• Wednesday 18th September - Bumblee Meadow cut and rake - Northam Burrows
• Sunday 29 September - Marine Conservation Society Great British Beach Clean (11am-1pm) Westward Ho! slipway
• Wednesday 2 October - Wildflower verge management - Polyfield, East-the-Water
• Wednesday 16 October - Dune fencing, Northam Burrows
• Sunday 20 October - British Beach Clean (11am-1pm) Westward Ho! slipway
• Wednesday 6th November - Bramble control, Northam Burrows
• Wednesday 20 November - Reed bed management and path improvements, Kenwith Valley

Councillor Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin Lead Member for Culture & Community Engagement at Torridge District Council said:

"Looking after vulnerable habitats and wildlife is vital work.  Volunteers are crucial to the success of the programme and make a huge contribution in helping to protect the local environment.  In particular, the insights that we get from our surveys are invaluable in helping us to better understand the current health of our nature reserves. These places are important homes to some of our rarest species such as the Water Germander plant which is only found here in Northam and at Braunton Burrows on the Eastern shore of the estuary and one other site in the UK.  So, if you have the time to spare our Rangers would be delighted to welcome you to one of our events, all offers of help will be gratefully received."

All the events run from 10am-3pm unless stated otherwise and are free to attend.  All necessary equipment will be provided.  Apart from the beach cleans booking is essential so please contact northam.burrows@torridge.gov.uk or call 01237 479708. No experience necessary just bring some food and drink, weather appropriate clothing and your enthusiasm! For more information visit https://www.torridge.gov.uk/northamburrowsevents.

Aug 24