Rangers seek volunteers for crucial autumn conservation

Northam Burrows rangers are issuing a call out for volunteers as they prepare for a demanding autumn of conservation work. 

With a packed schedule of vital tasks ahead, the call has gone out for community members to step up and assist in preserving the local environment.

The ranger team is gearing up for a series of events aimed at maintaining and enhancing Northam Burrows and other Local Nature Reserves. 

Volunteers play an essential role in these efforts, contributing to the protection of fragile habitats and wildlife while gaining valuable outdoor experience and connecting with like-minded individuals.

Starting on Wednesday, August 21, the programme will kick off with seed harvesting at Gatefield Meadow in Bideford. 

This is just the beginning of a series of important conservation activities, including:

• Wednesday, August 28: Wildflower verge management at the Cattle Market car park, Bideford.
• Tuesday, September 3: Water germander survey at Northam Burrows.
• Wednesday, September 18: Bumblebee Meadow cut and rake at Northam Burrows.
• Sunday, September 29: Marine Conservation Society Great British Beach Clean at Westward Ho! slipway (11am-1pm).
• Wednesday, October 2: Wildflower verge management at Polyfield, East-the-Water.
• Wednesday, October 16: Dune fencing at Northam Burrows.
• Sunday, October 20: British Beach Clean at Westward Ho! slipway (11am-1pm).
• Wednesday, November 6: Bramble control at Northam Burrows.
• Wednesday, November 20: Reed bed management and path improvements at Kenwith Valley.

Councillor Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin Lead Member for Culture & Community Engagement at Torridge District Council said: “Looking after vulnerable habitats and wildlife is vital work.  Volunteers are crucial to the success of the programme and make a huge contribution in helping to protect the local environment.  In particular, the insights that we get from our surveys are invaluable in helping us to better understand the current health of our nature reserves. These places are important homes to some of our rarest species such as the Water Germander plant which is only found here in Northam and at Braunton Burrows on the Eastern shore of the estuary and one other site in the UK.  So, if you have the time to spare our Rangers would be delighted to welcome you to one of our events, all offers of help will be gratefully received.”

The events will run from 10am to 3pm, with all necessary equipment provided.

Participation is free, but booking is essential for most events. 

Interested individuals can register by contacting northam.burrows@torridge.gov.uk or calling 01237 479708.

Please note that beach clean events do not require advance booking. 

Participants are advised to bring food, drink, weather-appropriate clothing, and a positive attitude.