New Forest Volunteer Guide 2016

ST E R O F NEW L PARK A NATION

R E E T N U L VO 6 1 0 2 E D I U G Try something different this year!

Crammed full of volunteering opportunities in the New Forest.

Welcome to the New Forest National Park Volunteer Guide 2016 This guide features dozens of ways to get involved with volunteering in the New Forest, no matter who you are or where you live.

All you need is some time and energy, and a passion for the Forest’s heritage and unique communities.

Volunteering is a great way to meet people, learn new skills and help keep the New Forest so special.

Assisting people in your community, surveying wildlife, meeting visitors and researching history are just some of the opportunities in this guide.

We hope you enjoy volunteering in the Forest, and thank you for your interest is this special place!

Above: Members of a Mosaic group visit the New Forest

Organisations offering volunteer opportunities Here is a list of organisations from the 2016 Volunteer Fair.

There is more information on volunteering in the New Forest on our website: www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/volunteering

Alzheimer’s Society

Citizens Advice New Forest

Alzheimer’s Society is the UK’s leading support and research charity for people with dementia, their families and carers. We campaign for better quality of life for people with dementia and greater understanding of dementia.

We also fund an innovative programme of medical and social research into the cause, cure and prevention of dementia and the care people receive.

Citizens Advice New Forest gives free, independent, confidential and impartial advice to everyone on their rights and responsibilities. Through our campaigning activity we also use the evidence provided by our clients to positively influence practices and law. We do this at a local and, by pooling our information, at a county and national level. We have a wide range of volunteering opportunities including the following roles: Assessors and Advisers; Receptionists and Admin; Research and Campaigns; IT Coordinators; Fundraising and PR; Trustees. All volunteers receive full training and supervision in their roles.

t 023 8061 0159 w www.alzheimers.org.uk

Blackwater Conservation Group Established in 2013, the aims of the group are to facilitate and coordinate the work of conservation and environmental protection along the River Blackwater and its tributaries and thereby protect the landscape and ecology of the Blackwater Valley for future generations. Volunteers have the opportunity to monitor the quality of the river water and assess the health of the river by catching and counting the various species of invertebrates.

A considerable amount of time is also spent removing the invasive nonnative plant Himalayan balsam. Any volunteers willing to help with any of these tasks will be very welcome. t 01794 390558 e john@johnmartin.me.uk w www.blackwaterconservationgroup. wordpress.com

t 07740 901305 e ceo@newforest.cabnet.org.uk w www.newforestcab.org.uk

Community First New Forest The New Forest Volunteer Centre, run by Community First New Forest, promotes and supports volunteering.

It recruits potential volunteers from all sections of the community and places them with voluntary organisations looking for volunteers to assist them with their work. The Centre also offers advice, information and training to groups using or considering using volunteers. We also promote the work of organisations in the New Forest and their everincreasing need for more volunteers. t 01425 482773 e vol.bureau@cfnf.org.uk w www.cfnf.org.uk

Left: Angela Peters, New Forest Land Advice Service, and volunteer Gill Hickman inspect a community wildflower meadow

visitor enjoyment. Tasks include leading and helping with events, assisting visitors in the New Forest and providing valuable support to our rangers and keepers ď Ž

Above: A volunteer leads a Walking for Health stroll

Exbury Gardens Exbury Gardens is an historic woodland garden of over 200 acres within the New Forest. Established by Lionel de Rothschild in 1919 and opened to the public by his son Edmund in 1955, it is a popular visitor attraction for tourists and local residents alike. Become a volunteer and you will spend time working in a small, friendly team maintaining specific areas of the gardens to a high standard. This is an ideal opportunity for people who enjoy working outdoors with plants and want to expand their horticultural knowledge and practical gardening skills. t 023 8089 1203 e info@exbury.co.uk w www.exbury.co.uk

Forestry Commission The Forestry Commission manages the public forest estate in the New Forest. We have two main volunteering opportunities: ď Ž

Volunteer Rangers play an integral role in helping to conserve wildlife and habitats while enhancing

By joining our Two Trees Conservation Team, you'll learn about the management of our forests, experience the outdoors in a group activity, meet likeminded people and make a real difference to the area that you'll be helping to maintain.

So if you enjoy the outdoors, want to learn new skills, meet new people and want to be part of the Forestry Commission team, get involved today! t 0300 067 4650 e gemma.stride@forestry.gsi.gov.uk w www.forestry.gov.uk/newforest

Friends of Lepe Country Park The Friends of Lepe was set up to promote community involvement and enjoyment of the country park. The group keeps people informed about what is going on at Lepe via a quarterly newsletter and supports the park staff by providing volunteers. The Friends also run walks, talks and social events for the membership. We are looking for volunteers to: record wildlife sightings such as birds, sea shore life and butterflies, man the reception desk at weekends & some holiday periods, help with events and to get involved with our Cold War heritage project If you would like to become an active part of your local country park we would love to hear from you. t 023 8089 9108 e chris.swatridge@hants.gov.uk w www.hants.gov.uk/lepe

Friends of the New Forest Airfields (FONFA)

Hampshire County Council Access Team

We provide an education and research facility for societies, students and anyone who is interested in the airfields and aviation history of the New Forest.

Hampshire County Council’s Southern Access Team is responsible for the protection and maintenance of the Rights of Way network. This provides the public with a range of ways to access and enjoy the area’s diverse countryside, from horse riding or cycling in the New Forest to walking along the coast or across the Downs around the Dorset and Wiltshire border. We offer a range of ways for volunteers to become involved, with tasks including path surveying with local walking groups through to getting involved in maintenance work on the ground, replacing path furniture and signage.

We hope to be moving to new larger premises that will hold a new information centre, library and museum during the first half of 2016.

The premises will be in a cold war era former RAF building that will require extensive conversion so during the first half of 2016 we will take FONFA on the road to halls around the New Forest whilst that work is in progress.

We will therefore be very grateful for help with our relocation and running our open days and events at the New Forest Airfields’ Memorial. t 01425 674516 e fonfa2010@gmail.com w www.fonfasite.wordpress.com

Girlguiding Foxlease Foxlease is a 65-acre estate with a vast array of opportunities to come along and volunteer! We are a training, activity and events centre working with corporate groups, charities, schools and members of the Guide Association throughout the year. This includes small and large scale events, gardening, conservation projects, weddings, building or maintenance projects.

Whatever takes your fancy there will be something for you. If you are interested please do get in touch! t 023 8028 2638 e foxlease@girlguiding.org.uk w www.foxlease.org.uk

t 023 8060 5109 e john.cartwright@hants.gov.uk w www3.hants.gov.uk/row.htm

Hampshire Conservation Volunteers (HCV) We are out most weekends conducting practical conservation tasks, working on a wide variety of sites which are valuable for wildlife. In the spring and summer our tasks often involve the construction of paths, boardwalks and fences. Autumn and winter months see the management of woodlands and downland by coppicing, hedgelaying and scrub-bashing, usually with a roaring bonfire. No experience necessary, training will be given. e mail@hcv.org.uk w www.hcv.org.uk

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance provides an air ambulance service to the people of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Since our launch in July 2007 we have flown many thousands of missions, many of these life-saving. The charity receives no funding from government nor the National Lottery for operational purposes, relying entirely on donations and support from the people and businesses in the region.

We look forward to welcoming new members to our team. t 023 8033 3377 e danielle@hiowaa.org w www.hiowaa.org

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust – New Forest Non-Native Plants Project The New Forest Non-Native Plants Project is hosted by Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust and welcomes volunteers to help pull up Himalayan balsam which has invaded river banks in the New Forest area. Himalayan balsam has short roots and is easy to pull up so if you enjoy being outside and have a bit of time to spare in the summer, why not join our friendly volunteer work parties? We are also looking for people to survey invasive non-native plants and monitor the effectiveness of work undertaken to control them. t 023 8042 4205 / 07770 923315 e Catherine.Chatters@hiwwt org.uk w www.hiwwt.org.uk

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust (HIWWT) – protecting wildlife, inspiring people Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust has many different ways for volunteers to get involved including surveys, practical work parties and greeting visitors. The marine team is looking for volunteers to help us learn more about the marine environment. Opportunities include joining our Shoresearch and Seasearch projects to help us survey our marine wildlife and habitats, either on the shore or underwater using scuba diving (no previous survey experience is required), as well as helping with beach cleans and public awareness events. t 01489 774400 e volunteer@hiwwt.org.uk w www.hiwwt.org.uk

Hampshire Scouts Hampshire Scouts provides adventurous activities and personal development opportunities for over 16,000 young people aged 6-25. In Scouting, we believe that young people develop most when they are ‘learning by doing’, when they are given responsibility, work in teams, take acceptable risks and think for themselves.

Opportunities include: working directly with young people, supporting or managing volunteers, managing events, providing specialist support such as fundraising, training or media relations and a variety of administration roles. t 023 8084 7847 e vanessa.slawson@scouts-hants.org.uk w www.hampshirescouting.org.uk

Hampshire Search and Rescue (HANTSAR) Hampshire Search and Rescue provides cover 24/7, to assist Hampshire Police and other agencies to search for vulnerable missing people. We need volunteers to support our live search teams; to help fundraise; to attend events, engaging with the public. Also urgently required are those who would like to train to become searchers.

The only criteria for volunteers are time availability and a willingness to learn some new techniques. For those wishing to train as searchers, the ability to walk five miles in two hours is required. No other experience is necessary. We all work as a team – that is our ethos. t 03303 309506 e info@hantsar.org w www.hantsar.org

hArt - Hampshire art for recreation and therapy hArt provides recreational and therapeutic opportunities for everyone, whatever their age or ability, to benefit from working with the creative arts for improved health and wellbeing.

Volunteers are needed to support us in delivering workshops and programmes to groups and individuals with a variety of needs, but we are also looking for secretarial and administrative assistance as well as fundraising. We will be running programmes and attending events across the area in 2016 and will need volunteers to staff stalls as well as supporting the therapists and group leaders on specific projects. t 01590 683343 e contact@hart.works w www.hart.works

Above: Carrying out a smooth snake survey

Healthwatch Hampshire Healthwatch Hampshire helps people get the best out of health and social care services in their local area. We celebrate good practice and challenge poor practice by giving people a powerful voice and the influence to improve services for today or help shape them for tomorrow. Volunteer Champions are integral to our work representing and channelling the views of local people. We offer a range of flexible opportunities to suit individual’s interests and availability. These include public events, mystery shopping, focus groups, research and more! Join our network and make a difference. t 01962 440662 e enquiries@healthwatchhampshire.co.uk w www.healthwatchhampshire.co.uk

Above: National Parks UK young volunteer of the year, Karl Epps, at the New Forest Show

The Knoll Gardens Foundation

Maritime Archaeology Trust

The Knoll Gardens Foundation is centred on the gardens at Knoll, near Ferndown. The charity works to help gardeners across the UK create stunning, environmentally responsible, gardens that are wildlife friendly, while avoiding the use of harmful chemicals and pesticides. We work with local wildlife organisations to record the many species found within the garden’s naturalistic setting – which recently featured on BBC Gardeners’ World. We are looking for like-minded volunteers to become garden guides and help out at events. In 2016 we start a new education project and we’d also like to recruit an administrator to make sure our paperwork is as professional as our achievements in the garden.

Forgotten Wrecks of the First World War is a Heritage Lottery Funded four year project devised by the Maritime Archaeology Trust to coincide with the centenary of the Great War. With over 1,000 wartime wrecks along England’s south coast, the conflict has left a rich heritage legacy with many associated stories of bravery and sacrifice. Through a programme of fieldwork, research, artefact recording, temporary exhibitions and school/ public outreach events, the project aims to engage communities and volunteers and provide a lasting legacy of information and learning resources relating to the First World War at sea.

t 01202 873931 e foundation@knollgardens.co.uk w www.knollgardensfoundation.org

t 023 8023 7300 e volunteering@maritimearchaeology trust.org w www.maritimearchaeologytrust.org

Milford Conservation Volunteers (MCV)

Minstead Training Trust and Furzey Gardens Charitable Trust

We work locally at various nature reserves around Milford, including the Pleasure Grounds (woodlands), Studland Common, Studland Meadow, Sturt Pond and ‘Baskets’.

We have produced our own Milford-on-Sea Biodiversity Plan.

Furzey Gardens offers eight acres of peaceful woodland walks, exceptional trees and shrubs. Furzey also has a gallery with refreshments and a gift shop. Its sister charity, the Minstead Training Trust, offers year-round services in residential, supported living and day care opportunities, which offer a wide variety of workshops as well as training towards work and life and social skills, to adults who have learning disabilities.

We meet on the first Sunday every month and volunteers undertake coppicing, tree thinning, tree & hedgerow planting, non-native invasive species clearance, scrub removal, glade creation, bird-hide maintenance, educational walks, footpath maintenance, boardwalk, bridge & pond restoration and wildlife monitoring & recording. t 01590 645825 e keithmetcalf@btinternet.com w www.milfordcv.org

For me, there is nothing like working with nature to make you feel you are making a difference, while at the same time making you feel healthy.

Keith Metcalf, Milford Conservation Volunteers

Furzey gardens: opportunities in the gardens and gallery. Minstead Training Trust: opportunities working together with students and tutors in horticulture, woodwork, catering, ceramics, art, music, drama, literacy and numeracy, IT, animal care, general DIY and maintenance, and fundraising. t 023 8081 2297 e bev.spanswick@minsteadtt.org w www.minsteadtt.org

National Coastwatch Institution (NCI) & Calshot Tower The National Coastwatch Institution (NCI) is an entirely voluntary organisation keeping a visual watch along UK shores. Each station assists in the protection and preservation of life at sea and around the UK coastline. Currently 50 NCI stations are operational and manned by over 2,000 volunteers keeping watch around the British Isles from Rossall Point in the North West, through Wales, to Wearside in the North East. t 023 8089 3562 e durie11@me.com w www.nci.org.uk/calshot

National Trust The National Trust works to preserve the New Forest Northern Commons through practical conservation, learning and discovery, and encouraging millions of visitors to enjoy the area every year.

As a charity we rely on the generosity of volunteers to continue this work.

A volunteer conducts a World War Two oral history interview

Natural England Natural England works for people, places and nature to conserve and enhance biodiversity, landscapes and wildlife in rural, urban, coastal and marine areas. We manage some of the finest wildlife sites in Britain: from Martin Down National Nature Reserve in west Hampshire to North Solent National Nature Reserve on the coast.

We are looking for keen individuals to help with a variety of tasks on these sites from survey and monitoring through to habitat management and stock husbandry. Tasks may be seasonal, regular or just occasional but your help however big or small will be of value to these national assets. Please do get in touch. t 0300 060 6000 e enquiries@naturalengland.org.uk w www.gov.uk/government/ organisations/natural-england

Current volunteering opportunities in the New Forest include practical conservation work, such as gorse, holly and rhododendron cutting and burning, pine and ragwort pulling, and tree planting in Foxbury. During the summer there are opportunities to get involved with species surveying for an array of wildlife including heathland flora, birds, butterflies and reptiles, as well as supporting us during events. t 01425 650035 e info.newforest@nationaltrust.org.uk w www.nationaltrust.org.uk/newforest

New Forest Area Conservation Volunteers The main aim of the group is to enhance the natural environment in and around the New Forest by means of practical conservation work. This work is done through a varied programme of ‘tasks’ which are undertaken by members who provide the voluntary workforce. In every case, the tasks are planned to conserve and improve the countryside around us, maintaining and increasing the variety of wildlife habitats and hopefully people’s understanding of the countryside. t 01590 671915 e heatherlipscombe3@gmail.com w www.newforestacv.org

New Forest Association (NFA)

New Forest Food Challenge

The NFA has been the independent voice of the New Forest since 1867, making it the second oldest conservation organisation in the world. For nearly 150 years our guiding purpose has been to protect, conserve and enhance the flora, fauna and heritage of the New Forest, and all that makes it unique. If you are looking to help, but not looking for physical activity, NFA needs support with organisation, and various specialist subjects associated with the built environment, environment, land management, education and surveying.

We help people, schools, families and businesses to start to grow some of their own food. We promote local food courses, such as bread making and bee keeping, and encourage everyone to have a taste of some of the delicious produce grown in the New Forest. In 2016 we are giving away free seeds to individuals to sign up to our website and complete four local food challenges. Come and find out more at our stall.

t 01590 623935 e brookleyfarmhouse@btinternet.com w www.newforestassociation.org

New Forest Centre Volunteers are an essential component of the New Forest Centre in our aim to offer everyone an understanding of what makes this area so special.

We are looking for volunteers to assist in all areas of the Centre but especially in the Reference Library and in the Museum Gallery. These roles are distinct but not unique so you can support us in a variety of roles if you wish to. Knowledge of the New Forest is useful but not essential to these roles but a willingness to learn new skills and the ability to work well with the public is vital. t 023 8028 3444 e office@newforestcentre.org.uk w www.newforestcentre.org.uk

t 01590 675613 e events@newforesttransition.org.uk w www.newforesttransition.ning.com

New Forest Marathon Race Crew Registration is now open to sign up and join New Forest Marathon Race Crew for 2016! If you are supporting us for the first time, welcome aboard and to those of you who are returning, thank you – we really appreciate your support.

Whether you are a member of our Race Crew, or a local group, volunteering at the New Forest Marathon is a great thing to do. It is so inspiring seeing so many people achieve personal goals in such stunning surroundings. Bring plenty of big smiles and buckets of enthusiasm for everyone taking part, from the juniors running in the family event to those completing the 26.2 miles through the forest. We look forward to hearing from you and making this special event memorable for everyone. t 07813 118701 e info@newforestmarathon.co.uk w www.newforestmarathon.co.uk

New Forest National Park Authority: Our past, our future

New Forest National Park Authority – Inclusive Cycling

Work to protect the unique New Forest environment has been given a boost thanks to a £2.9 million Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) grant. The Landscape Partnership scheme will restore lost habitats, develop Forest skills and inspire a new generation to champion and care for the Forest.

PEDALL is an inclusive cycling project that enables young people with disabilities to experience cycling in the New Forest on a range of specially adapted cycles. The New Forest is a popular destination for cycling and the delivery of this project makes the off road network accessible for people with disabilities/limited mobility. We have a range of volunteering opportunities and are looking for people to assist or lead guided cycling sessions, help with maintenance/repairs to specialist bikes, provide fundraising and admin support, and delivery of cycles.

Volunteers are an essential part of the scheme, with dozens of opportunities available – so please do get in touch.

You will have the chance to be a part of a series of programmes promoting learning, community involvement and landscape restoration within the New Forest. With your help, we can help people develop the necessary skills and enthusiasm needed to care for the Forest and make it fit to face the challenges of the future. t 01590 646604 e rachael.gallagher@newforestnpa.gov.uk w www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/ landscape-partnership

t 01590 646 676 e inclusivecycling@newforestnpa.gov.uk w www.newforestnpa.gov.uk/pedall

New Forest Nightstop New Forest Nightstop is the only provider of emergency accommodation in the New Forest for young people aged 16 -24 who find themselves homeless. Our hosts give safe overnight accommodation, protection from danger, a listening ear and security.

69% of young people who stayed last year were in education, training or work. If you have a spare room and you can offer a bed and a simple meal this volunteering opportunity is flexible to fit in with your home and work life.

All expenses are covered and training and support is given at all times. t 01425 478391 e nightstop@cfnf.org.uk w www.newforestnightstop.org.uk

Above: The PEDALL inclusive cycling project

New Forest Mencap We are a local charity supporting adults with learning disabilities across the New Forest. We run three weekly clubs providing fun social activities such as sport, art, drama and music. Volunteers play a vital part within our charity in a variety of roles: helping provide support at our clubs, community fundraising events & in our Charity Shop. We are also about to launch the New Forest Gateway Award, similar to Duke of Edinburgh award, but tailored specifically for people with learning disabilities. We are looking to recruit more volunteers to help enrich the lives of vulnerable adults locally and bring personal self-rewards. t 01425 621893 e mary@newforestmencap.org w www.newforestmencap.org.uk

New Forest Trust The New Forest Trust is a charity, raising donations to support the protection and improvement of the unique New Forest landscape, flora and fauna and the traditional Forest way of life.

Find out more about the valuable work of the Trust on our website.

Volunteering opportunities available include: Administration Fundraising  Event set up  Event staffing.  

t 023 8028 3251 e admin@newforesttrust.org.uk w www.newforesttrust.org.uk

Above: Stream dipping at Bolderwood

Patrick’s Patch at Fairweather’s Garden Centre Patrick’s Patch is a free-to-enter, inspiring and productive garden that we have built adjacent to Fairweather’s in Beaulieu High Street. Year-round we grow a wide range of vegetables, fruit, herbs and cut flowers that are used in Steff’s Kitchen. Our Head Gardener Rachel is supported by a loyal group of garden volunteers and primary school children who regularly visit to learn gardening skills and understand where our food comes from. We welcome volunteers over the age of 18, with gardening knowledge or without. Get outdoors and come enjoy gardening at Patrick’s Patch. t 01590 612113 e info@fairweathers.co.uk w www.fairweathers.co.uk

Ramblers Association Volunteering is at the heart of The Ramblers – we run the local New Forest group and get involved with organising walks, activities and path maintenance.

We arrange map reading and walk planning courses to give confidence and encourage new members to join us.

Whether you’re repairing gates and fences or welcoming new walkers on led walks you will feel rewarded and make lots of new friends.

Above: Volunteers from the Pondhead Conservation Trust, near Lyndhurst

Pondhead Conservation Trust Pondhead Conservation Trust is an award-winning New Forest charity formed to restore an area of woodland in the heart of the New Forest in order to improve its biodiversity and public enjoyment. We are entirely reliant on an active volunteer force to assist in this conservation project.

Our volunteers benefit from plenty of fresh air, friendly company and exercise in tranquil surroundings and, at the same time, learn about the Forest, its biodiversity and conservation.

The woodland is managed in a selfsustainable way by using timber we cut to produce charcoal on site for sale through local shops. We are proud winners of the Council for the Preservation of Rural England's Hampshire Countryside Award for Community & Volunteering. t 07887 811712 e pondheadconservation@gmail.com w www.pondheadconservation.org.uk

Whilst we do pay a nominal subscription, this is compensated by discounts from the likes of Oswald Bailey and Cotswold Outdoor, together with access to Britain’s best online library of walking routes. t 02 073 397 595 e social@newforestramblers.org.uk w www.ramblers.org.uk

I found volunteering extremely interesting and I learnt a lot about my local area as well as making some new friends. It was a challenge and gave me a new range of skills.

Sue Jackson, World War Two oral history interviewer

RAF Ibsley Airfield Heritage Trust RAF Ibsley Airfield Heritage Trust is a local group dedicated to saving as much as possible of the First World War fighter station at Ibsley, near Ringwood, for future generations. Projects include: clearing and restoring the control tower, blast shelters, and other buildings; collecting and preserving the stories of those who lived and served at Ibsley; investigation and recording of archaeological sites, and much more. We also run events, exhibitions and open days, including the RAF Ibsley Revival 2016; a 1940s themed open day at the station headquarters (Moyles Court School) is taking place in early August. Volunteers are needed to help with all our projects, but especially with the revival event! t 01425 474224 / 01425 480729 e rafiaht.info@gmail.com w www.ibsleytower.info

Ringwood and Fordingbridge Footpath Society (RFFS) Ringwood & Fordingbridge Footpath Society exists to protect the interests of the users of public rights of way in 13 parishes of the Avon Valley and West Hampshire. Each path is checked on a three-yearly rotation.

Problems are logged and reported to Hampshire County Council.

Volunteer working groups are formed to remedy some of the problems. A programme of walks, social activities and monthly evening meetings in the winter are also organised and enjoyed by members. Our website gives details of our activities and new members are always welcome. t 01425 656360 e rffs4@btinternet.com w www.rffs.org.uk

Above: An RNLI volunteer lifeboat crew

RNLI The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) is the charity that saves lives at sea. It operates a search and rescue service around the coasts of the UK and Ireland and has four main facets to its service – lifeboats, lifeguards, flood rescue and coastal safety education. The charity is also expanding its international development work to start tackling the global drowning epidemic. This lifesaving charity relies on voluntary donations from the public for over 92% of its income. 95% of the RNLI’s people are volunteers which are made up of over 200 different volunteering roles both inland and on the coast. t 0300 3009 903 e roseanne_blaze@rnli.org.uk w www.rnli.org.uk

RSPB We are a conservation charity which carries out international and UK based work. In the New Forest we have a ‘Date with Nature’ where we show the public ‘live’ footage from Goshawk and Hobby nests. This is a partnership project which informs the public about the wildlife of the New Forest and the conservation work carried out there. We need volunteers to help staff the New Forest Reptile Centre from March to September 2016. t 01273 775333 e michael.lake@rspb.org.uk w www.rspb.org.uk

I would recommend volunteering to anyone who has a little, or a lot, of time to give to a charity or organisation of their interest. It even gave me the chance to represent the RSPB at 10 Downing Street!

Dominik Reynolds (15), RSPB

Sir Harold Hillier Gardens Situated close to Romsey, the gardens have the greatest collection of hardy woody plants in the world, growing in 180 acres. Volunteers play a vital role within the Gardens but not everyone wants to be a gardener. As well as hands-on gardening tasks there are also opportunities to help with monthly mailings, meeting and greeting visitors, stewarding events and exhibition stands. Experience is an asset but enthusiasm is a must. t 01794 369318 e info@hilliergardens.org.uk w www.hilliergardens.org.uk

South Wiltshire Paths Group The South Wiltshire Paths Group aims to get local communities involved in positive activities that improve health and wellbeing. The project gives local communities the opportunity to have a key role in the improvement of their local public footpaths to improve access. We are looking for a wide variety of skills from our volunteers, whether they’ve got practical skills, office skills or just know a lot of local knowledge. We need people for a wide range of tasks like installing kissing gates, putting up way marking or researching local information. e info@southwiltspathsgroup. co.uk w www.southwiltspathsgroup.co.uk

SS Shieldhall The SS Shieldhall is a heritage cargo passenger ship included in the National Historic Fleet and is generally recognised to be the largest working steamship of her type in Europe. There are opportunities to volunteer with the deck crew or engineering teams based in Southampton, plus assist the marketing team at exhibitions.

Volunteers man the Shieldhall on her regular cruises into the Solent and beyond and are on board most Wednesdays and Saturdays. Full details of volunteer opportunities and 2016 sailing programme are available online. t 07784 735975 e volunteering@ss-shieldhall.co.uk w www.ss-shieldhall.co.uk

Victim Support Victim Support is the independent charity for victims and witnesses of crime in England and Wales. Last year we offered support to more than one million victims of crime.

Victim Support provides the Homicide Service supporting people bereaved through murder and manslaughter and runs more than 100 local projects which tackle domestic violence, antisocial behaviour and hate crime, help children and young people and deliver restorative justice. t 023 8024 0616 e matthew.cable@victimsupport.org.uk w www.victimsupport.org.uk

Above: Pulling up invasive Himalyan balsam

Woodlander Hoburne Bashley Woodlander manages 20 acres of privately owned mixed deciduous woodland which also includes a small mixed coppice area which is being managed back into rotation. We provide woodland education to schools and woodland recreational activities to holiday makers and for the local community. We maintain the current woodland habitats and increase the level of biodiversity within these woods through our conservation programmes.

There are three areas of conservation: pond restoration, invasive species and stream clearance to improve sea trout’s journey to their spawning grounds. t 01425 612340 e info@woodlandercoppice.co.uk w www.woodlander-coppice.co.uk

Above: Michael Osborne surveys an iron age hill fort

e have w Not only d protect this n record a e, but there helped heritag s and valuable a lot of laugh en ! have be the way fun on e,

Contact us Contact us New Forest National Park Authority Lymington Town Hall, Avenue New Forest National Park Road, Authority Contact us Lymington Town SO41 Hall, 9ZG Lymington Avenue Road, Telephone:SO41 01590 646600 Lymington 9ZG New Forest National Park Authority enquiries@newforestnpa.gov.uk Telephone: 01590Hall, 646600 Lymington Town Avenue Road, www.newforestnpa.gov.uk enquiries@newforestnpa.gov.uk Lymington SO41 9ZG

www.newforestnpa.gov.uk Telephone: 01590 646600

Facebook “f ” Logo

Facebook “f ” Logo

CMYK / .eps

Facebook “f ” Logo

CMYK / .eps

enquiries@newforestnpa.gov.uk newforestnpa CMYK / .eps

Facebook “f ” Logo

CMYK / .eps

www.newforestnpa.gov.uk Facebook “f ” Logo

newforestnpa CMYK / .eps

Facebook “f ” Logo

CMYK / .eps

newforestnpa NPA 00467, January 2016.

Printed on environmentally-friendly stock.

NPA 00467, January 2016.

Printed on environmentally-friendly stock.

NPA 00467, January 2016.

Please contact us if you would Printed on environmentally-friendly stock.like to receive Please contact usinifanother you would like such to receive this publication format as this publication another format such as large print orinBraille.

Please contact us Braille. if you would like to receive large print or this publication in another format such as

l Osborn nteer Michae ing volu e Mapp Heritag