A NEW volunteer programme is being launched by The Heart of England Forest at Gorcott Hill near Redditch.
The opportunities, aimed at both adults and young people, offer a chance to learn more about practical conservation and biodiversity, gain valuable work experience, make new friends, or get out and about in nature.
In 2021 The Heart of England Forest received a grant from the Government’s Green Recovery Challenge Fund (GRCF), enabling them to launch a ground-breaking project at the 62-acre Gorcott Hill site, just off the A435 at Mappleborough Green.
The restoration of the site will create a place that combines conservation, learning and community engagement, encouraging people that may have limited opportunities to access the natural environment to take ownership of the Forest.
Elaine Skates, head of learning and skills at Heart of England Forest, said: “The Gorcott Hill site is a magical place for people to get involved with the conservation work.
“The funding will bring people who would otherwise rarely visit into regular contact with the natural world, so they, too, have the chance to fall in love with nature and experience all the benefits it can bring.”
There are dedicated volunteer sessions open to out of work adults looking to build new skills, and for neuro-diverse adults and young people.
Opportunities are also available for people aged 12-18 years to join Young Foresters, a volunteering and adventure club, and for young adults aged 18 to 25 to participate in regular volunteering sessions.
The Heart of England Forest is looking to attract new volunteers from across the region, and anyone looking to sign up visit: https://heartofenglandforest.org/volunteering-gorcott-hill .
