Muck in and help out is conservation campaign message at The Big Sheep

dave.tanner@archant.co.uk
04 August 2009

PEOPLE in North Devon are being challenged to adopt a healthier lifestyle and, at the same time, do something positive for the environment by joining a new campaign on show next week at the Big Sheep in Abbotsham, near Bideford.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra)

Muck In4Life campaign has a simple message: families and individuals can get out of the house, have a great time and get healthy doing volunteer conservation work. Volunteers can also enter photographs of their experiences and win high street vouchers, and have their pictures displayed at world-famous Kew Gardens.

There are many different volunteering opportunities for people of all ages and groups, providing year-round activities and a range of these will be highlighted when Defra's Muck In4Life Tourer Van comes to the Big Sheep on Monday..

Environment Minister Huw Irranca-Davies said: "I'd encourage anyone to have a go at conservation volunteering. You could be doing anything from clearing a pond, building a dry stone wall or footpath or making a bird house. Come and see the tourer - there's a great deal to find out about and it could make your summer really interesting by trying something totally new which helps the environment."



The Muck In4Life Tourer Van, will show visitors how easy it is to get involved in volunteering for the environment and how rewarding it can be. Children will get the opportunity to create their very own bird feeders which they can take home.