National Trust volunteers make an unprecedented contribution on Exmoor
In the past year nearly 45,000 hours of volunteer time have been devoted to looking after National Trust owned property on Exmoor.
The latest figures for volunteering on just the National Trust properties inside the Exmoor National Park show that 748 volunteers contributed an astonishing 44,470 volunteer hours in the twelve month period to March 2013.
It is the first time that the volunteer data has been compiled in this way to include every NT property within the National Park boundary - Dunster Castle, West Exmoor, Exmoor Bunkhouse and the Holnicote Estate.
The volunteer roles undertaken have been incredibly varied and very much depend on the requirement of each respective property. On the countryside properties volunteers play a crucial role in their day to day management, presentation and upkeep and are involved in a huge variety of tasks including habitat management, access work, biological surveys and supporting the many events that take place throughout the year.
Meanwhile at Dunster Castle volunteers are particularly involved with visitors to the castle ensuring that they have the best possible experience and their visit is as informative and enjoyable as possible.
The types of volunteers are extremely varied and include full-time, regular, working holiday and conservation and community group volunteers who stay at Exmoor Bunkhouse. Volunteers are not restricted by age, interest or ability and there is almost certainly a volunteer role for everyone.
Paul Camp, Ranger for Holnicote Estate said, 'Regardless of the individual role, volunteers are crucial in helping us connect to our local communities but also in reaching out to new people. They often bring new skills and talents and help to challenge and guide the direction of the organisation, helping to broaden our appeal to the public and ensure that the organisation remains relevant.'
Julian Gurney, Head Ranger for West Exmoor said, 'It would be almost impossible to manage our properties without the invaluable help we get from our volunteers. They are at the very centre of everything we accomplish. From footpath maintenance to habitat management, litter picking to guided walks where ever you see a ranger they will undoubtedly be accompanied by one or more volunteers.'
There are currently a number of volunteer roles available at Trust properties across the National Park and also the opportunity to book onto some of fantastic working holidays taking place this year. Roles include a piano player at Dunster Castle, event volunteers at Holnicote and full-time volunteer opportunities at West Exmoor.
Anyone, interested should contact their nearest Trust property or visit the National Trust Working Holiday website - www.nationaltrust.org.uk/workingholidays for further information.
