PEOPLE are being encouraged to volunteer their time to support nature reserves near Droitwich Spa during 2014.

Worcestershire Wildlife Trust owns and manages more than 75 sites across the county. Volunteering with the charity offers the chance to get fit, keep healthy, make new friends and helping wildlife.

Naomi Terry, volunteer co-ordinator for the trust, said: “Volunteers are absolutely crucial to the work we do for both wildlife and people. They help with all aspects of our work – from practical conservation on our nature reserves to helping inspire children about our natural environment.

“We’ve got more than 400 volunteers so anyone who is thinking about becoming a volunteer can be guaranteed a warm welcome and the chance to make new friends.

“January is the perfect time of year to start making a difference for your local wildlife – it’s time to work off the Christmas excesses and get outside into the great fresh air and countryside.”

The trust runs a series of volunteer taster days throughout the year to give people a chance to discover what being a volunteer involves. The first two of the year will be taking place on Sunday, January 12 at Grafton Wood, Grafton Flyford, and on Sunday, January 26 at Trench Wood near Droitwich Spa.

These two important ancient woodlands are jointly owned with Butterfly Conservation because of their importance for butterflies. Conservation work in both woods during winter is focused around widening rides and paths, coppicing trees and creating glades – this allows more sunlight to reach the woodland floor to encourage the growth of flowers needed by the butterflies.

Anyone interested in discovering more about or booking their free place on the woodland taster days should contact Naomi Terry on 01905 754919 or email naomi@worcestershirewildlifetrust.org. Volunteering opportunities are also featured on the trust’s website at worcswildlifetrust.co.uk