Search launched for volunteer rangers

Councillor Cheryl Cottle Hunkin said volunteering was a "brilliant way" for people to learn new skills

A council in Devon has begun recruiting more volunteer rangers to help with its conservation projects.

Torridge District Council said the projects were set to take place on Northam Burrows, Gatefield Community Grassland and Kenwith Valley.

Tasks include beach cleans, animal surveys and tree planting.

Councillor Cheryl Cottle Hunkin said: "It's such a brilliant way for people to learn new skills and get closer to nature, as well as a lovely way for the community to get to know one another."

She added: "It's great to see this new programme of volunteering events put together by our rangers, which will help care for our lovely country park and local nature reserves."

The year's projects started with wildflower meadow management works at Gatefield on Wednesday, which will be followed by:

• Harvest mouse survey, Northam Burrows Country Park - Monday 13 January

• Tree planting at Gatefield, Bideford - Saturday 18 January

• Tree planting at Gatefield, Bideford - Wednesday 22 January

• Wildflower meadow management, Kenwith Valley - Wednesday 5 February

• Beach Clean at Westward Ho! Slipway - Saturday 15 February

• Wildflower verge management, Cattle Market Carpark, Bideford - Wednesday 5 March

• Dune Fencing, Northam Burrows Country Park - Wednesday 19 March

• Beach Clean at Westward Ho! Slipway - Saturday 29 March

Torridge District Council said all volunteer events are free to attend and usually take place between 10:00 and 15:00 GMT.