Find out how to become a New Forest volunteer

Feb. 19, 2013 - PRLog -- This free event organised by the New Forest National Park Authority will be full of New Forest organisations with a vast range of opportunities and different ways to get involved in Forest life. There is a lot to do at the fair including talks about the New Forest.

Gillie Hayball, the New Forest National Park Authority’s Lead Ranger, said: ‘We want to celebrate the great work going on in the New Forest and encourage more people to get involved.

‘Volunteering is good for meeting new people, learning new skills, it can keep you fit and is a great way to make a real difference to the Forest. For anyone with an interest in the wildlife, landscape and heritage of the National Park, come along!’

Pauline Norman a volunteer for the New Forest Remembers – untold stories of World War II project, said: ‘I have been part of this project now for 10 months and I have enjoyed every minute of it. It’s been a brilliant opportunity to meet new and like-minded people and I now have a greater appreciation of the fascinating history of the New Forest and how its landscape has been shaped.

‘On my first day doing survey work we discovered the remains of WWII army accommodation at Roundhill campsite. I also volunteered to help promote the project at the New Forest Show last year and our stand was visited by The Queen!

‘I would recommend volunteering to anyone. It is educational, fun, friendly, exciting, inspirational and very interesting.’

Organisations signed up to attend the Fair include the Forestry Commission, the National Trust, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, Friends of New Forest Airfields, Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Ringwood and Fordingbridge Footpath Society, New Forest Healthy Walks, the New Forest Centre, Hampshire Conservation Volunteers, Hampshire Scouts and many more.

The Volunteer Fair will be held on Saturday 2 March from 10.30am–4pm at Lyndhurst Community Centre. For more information go to www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/volunteer_fair.

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About the New Forest National Park Authority

Protect - Enjoy - Prosper

The New Forest National Park Authority’s statutory purposes are to:

§  Conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the Park - Protect

§  Promote opportunities for understanding and enjoyment of its special qualities – Enjoy.

We also have a duty to:

§  Seek to foster the social and economic well-being of local communities within the Park – Prosper.

The New Forest National Park was designated in March 2005. Its unique landscape has been shaped over the centuries by grazing ponies, cattle and pigs which roam free. Majestic woodlands, rare heathland and a spectacular coastline provide fabulous opportunities for quiet recreation, enjoyment and discovery.

Visit www.newforestnpa.gov.uk to find out more.

Media Contacts:
Karen Evans-McDaid, Communications Officer, New Forest National Park Authority
Tel: 01590 646650
Email: karen.evans-mcdaid@newforestnpa.gov.uk