Roll up your sleeves, get your hands dirty and see how much difference you can make by having a go at conservation volunteering.   

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council is organising a
free taster session for anyone interested in helping look after their local green space at Wigmore Heath, Baughurst, on Saturday 3 February from 10am to 1pm, with refreshments afterwards.  
  
This event will give an insight into becoming a volunteer and the work that is being carried out in the borough to look after green spaces. 
  
Existing volunteers will be on hand to chat with visitors about their conservation efforts and help them try their hand at heathland management, including scrub clearance and sapling removal. 
  
Gloves and tools will be provided, but visitors are advised to wear old warm clothes, sturdy footwear and bring a drink. The session is suitable for families, but under-18s should be accompanied by an adult. The meeting point is the entrance at Shyshack Lane. 
  
The council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Community Safety Cllr Simon Bound said: “This is an ideal opportunity for anyone who might have thought about conservation volunteering to find out more about the importance of looking after our green spaces. 
  
“Some regular volunteers will be there from different community groups in the borough, so visitors will have the chance to meet like-minded people from their local area. 
  
“Conservation volunteering is an excellent way of getting active, learning new skills and meeting new people. It’s good for the mind and body and helps look after Basingstoke and Deane’s green spaces for people and wildlife.” 
  
Regular conservation sessions are carried out by groups on a huge variety of sites from September to March, including Black Dam and Crabtree, Popley Ponds, Oakley Woodlands, Chineham Woods, Old Down, Down Grange and South View Cemetery. 
  
Sessions usually last between two to three hours, and include a tea break, on both week days and at weekends. No experience is needed, all tools are provided and no regular commitment is expected; every little helps!  
  
For more information about volunteer opportunities in your area visit www.basingstoke.gov.uk/conservation-groups or send an email to wildlifeconservation@basingstoke.gov.uk