Volunteering in Rockingham Forest
Do you want to help look after your local woodlands in East Northamptonshire?
Whatever your age, ability, or fitness level there are plenty of opportunities for volunteering. You can get stuck into tasks such as tree planting and clearing scrub, or if that's not your thing, how about helping out with events or doing surveys. The vast majority of this activity is undertaken from early autumn to late spring, avoiding the breeding and growing seasons. From October there are usually 2 - 3 work parties per month. Working party dates are published through the Volunteer Newsletter, sent every two months to all registered volunteers. You can attend as many or as few volunteer work parties as you like. We have volunteers who give just a few hours a year and some who give 60 to 70 hours or more – it is up you. What everyone agrees on is that it is very satisfying to get out into the open air and be doing something constructive. A work party day usually kicks off with a briefing from the Ranger at 10am. This covers the task for the day, safety, logistics and timings. All tools and equipment are provided. The day ends around 3pm. You will need to bring your own lunch. Suitable clothing, including strong footwear will be needed – you will often be working in the heart of the forest. We have volunteers of all ages. This is a fun activity for anybody that wished to get involved. You don’t need any skills – everything will be explained to you. You don’t need to be particularly fit or strong – this isn’t lumberjacking! Instead it is everyone working within their abilities to make a difference to the woodlands and forests. As a volunteer you get free access to the events put on by Northants Forest and after completing a certain number of hours a free car parking permit for Salcey Forest and Top Lodge, Fineshade Woods. We also put on occasional training courses specifically for Volunteer Rangers. To join the Volunteer Ranger Service contact us asking for an application pack. Once it has been returned to us you will be put on the database and will receive the Volunteer News with details of all the work parties as well as updates and information.
Call us on 01780 444920 or email us at northants@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
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