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Volunteer recruitment is now underway for this summer's programme of conservation activities and beach cleans across Torridge, led by the Northam Burrows Ranger Team. Residents are encouraged to get involved by joining a series of practical conservation days taking place across the district.
Over the last five years, Torridge District Council has changed how several meadows, parks and roadside verges are managed, with selected areas now cut later in the year to allow grass and wildflowers to flower and set seed. As this wildlife friendly approach is more labour intensive, volunteers have become central to supporting the Grounds Maintenance and Ranger Teams' work, helping to rake and remove cut grass, sow wildflower seeds, survey meadows and harvest seed.
Having the vital support of volunteers means more can be achieved across the district, helping wildflowers to thrive and creating important habitats for pollinators such as bumblebees. The programme of upcoming conservation activities offers residents a great opportunity to get involved, learn new skills and make a positive contribution to the local environment.
On Thursday 30 April (10am-3pm), volunteers are invited to join the Rangers at Northam Burrows for a rush‑removal session, helping to support and protect important dune habitats.
The focus then moves to Kenwith Valley on Wednesday 27 May (10am-3pm), where volunteers will help with weeding around newly planted trees to help them establish and thrive.
On Wednesday 10 June (10am-3pm), the Rangers will be working at Gatefield in Bideford, with volunteers assisting with tree weeding to support the area's developing green spaces.
Volunteers are needed at Gatefield, Bideford on Wednesday 8 July (10am-3pm) to take part in a wildflower survey, helping to monitor and record local plant species.
The programme concludes at Northam Burrows on Wednesday 15 July (10am-3pm), with a dune slack plant survey supporting ongoing habitat management work.
To help keep some of Torridge's most popular summer locations clean and welcoming, a series of beach and village litter picks will also take place at Westward Ho!, meeting at the Slipway, on the following dates:
Sunday 3 May, 11am-1pm
Sunday 14 June, 10am-12pm
Sunday 12 July, 10am-12pm
Councillor Cheryl Cottle‑Hunkin, Lead Member for Culture and Community Engagement at Torridge District Council, said:
"Volunteering with our fantastic Ranger Team is a great way to support and nurture our local environment, benefitting both wildlife and residents. These sessions also offer a wonderful opportunity to meet like‑minded people and get outdoors, both of which are so important for our physical and mental wellbeing. With no prior experience needed, I would encourage anyone who is interested to get involved and give it a try!"
Residents who are unable to volunteer in person can still support wildlife locally by setting aside part of their garden for No Mow May, allowing flowers to bloom and provide food for pollinators. Further information is available at Plantlife's No Mow May Movement. Free No Mow May signs can be collected from the Northam Burrows Visitor Centre or downloaded from https://www.plantlife.org.uk/campaigns/nomowmay/#free-downloads.
Local businesses are also welcome to take part in this summer's volunteering programme through corporate volunteer days. Small groups can book onto existing events, while larger groups are encouraged to contact the Ranger Team directly.
All events are free to attend. Pre‑booking is essential for conservation task days, as places are limited. Beach cleans are drop‑in events and open to all. No previous experience is necessary, and all tools and equipment will be provided.
For more information or to book a place, please email northam.burrows@torridge.gov.uk or call 01237 479708.
