Fair helps recruit new volunteers

March 6, 2013 - PRLog -- Around 30 organisations attended the event organised by the New Forest National Park Authority at Lyndhurst Community Centre on Saturday (2 March).

Groups ranging from the Forestry Commission to the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance and the New Forest Centre chatted to potential volunteers about how they could get involved.

People came from the New Forest, and towns further afield such as Southampton, Romsey and Salisbury, with many saying they wanted to try new skills, meet new people, improve their fitness and give something back to the community.

Pat Wyeth, Member of the New Forest National Park Authority, said: ‘Volunteers are the backbone of Britain and we were delighted with the enthusiasm of people wanting to get involved.

‘The feedback from organisations that came along has been extremely positive with nearly 100 volunteers signing up on the day. No-one need ever be short of something worthwhile to do as a volunteer in the New Forest.’

Roger Leppard, Community and Corporate Fundraiser, for the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance who attended the event, added: ‘The Volunteer Fair is a great opportunity to meet like-minded people and is great for our charity; we rely heavily on people’s good will and support.

‘We have attended all three volunteer fairs and have recruited many dedicated volunteers and supporters.’

For more volunteering opportunities visit: www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/volunteering_opportunities.

-ends-

Notes to Photo Editor:

Left to right – Vicky Myers from the Forestry Commission; Oliver Reichardt, Director of Delivery and Performance at the National Park Authority; Pat Wyeth, Member of the National Park Authority and Kerrie Wallace from the Scouts.

Notes to Editor:

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