A LOCAL woodland conservation group is seeking new volunteers in the area around Knighton. The Knighton Tree Allotments Trust (KTAT) works with local land owners to manage woodland for the benefit of both wildlife and its members. The Trust has just signed up to help manage Castlering Wood in Beggar's Bush.

Gary Cowell, manager of the Trust, said "Volunteering is a great opportunity to get lots of fresh air and exercise while working with a welcoming group of friendly people. Our volunteer members learn practical woodland skills, improve wildlife habitats and gain access to affordable woodland products such as firewood and timber."

The volunteers meet up once a week on alternating Thursdays and Sundays with all training and tools provided by the Trust.

"Everyone works at their own pace and ability" added Angie Zelter, a KTAT volunteer. "We are all amateurs giving our time in a sociable way. We work fairly short days, partly so that parents can join us on Thursdays and still be at the school gate in time to collect the children. The work is fun and gives you a real sense of achievement at the end of the day."

Those wishing to volunteer or seeking more information can contact Gary Cowell via email at garydkcowell@yahoo.co.uk or by telephone on 01547 520374, or visit the KTAT website at tveg.org.uk/wordpress/what-we-do/woodland-project

Knighton Tree Allotments Trust manages woodlands for the benefit of wildlife and members. In coming together to share and learn woodland skills, they aim to manage woodland sustainably and to allow members access to affordable woodland products - such as firewood and timber.

It is a common misconception that unmanaged woodland is best for wildlife. In fact, by managing the woodland through traditional practices such as coppicing, members increase the variety of habitats and increase the richness of wildlife. In ensuring that the trees that members fell for fuel or timber are replaced with new plants, they are creating a sustainable supply of woodland products.

In sustainably growing firewood and other woodland products members can meet some of their fuel and food needs as well as reducing their carbon footprints. At the same time they are joining co-operatively with other local people to enjoy, conserve and enrich the local environment.