Call to help save wildlife

A rallying call has been issued to get more young people involved with preserving beauty spots across Staffordshire by getting their hands dirty in a range of projects.

Staffordshire Wildlife Trust's youth rangers want new members to join them and have invited people along to help with work on woodland in Lichfield on Monday. The trust's youth volunteering project, open to people aged between 16 and 25-years-old, is aimed at giving youngsters an experience of life out and about in the county.

A group of six members were out on Shoal Hill Common yesterday to fell trees as part of the project, but more are needed to lend a helping hand.

Shaun Rimmer, youth projects officer, said: "It is open to people who would want to get involved in and help enhance their local area for wildlife, be it through using traditional rural management techniques or by carrying out a variety of wildlife surveys including birds, flora and mammals."

He added: "The initiative, which is funded by the Viva Veolia Youth Ranger Project 2, together with support from Lichfield-based company JMP Consulting, is also a great first step in gaining experience in the conservation sector."

Accreditation is available through the John Muir and Duke of Edinburgh Awards which is seen as a boost to young people's CVs when looking for work.

All training and tools are provided and no previous experience is necessary.

The session on Monday will last from 10am to 1pm and refreshments will be provided.

A minibus will pick people up from Lichfield Bus Station at 10am.

Staffordshire Wildlife Trust is a registered charity and protects wildlife while also promoting enjoyment of the natural world.

It is supported by more than 15,000 members and manages 30 sites covering more than 2,100 acres.

More information about joining the youth rangers and about the Lichfield project is available from Mr Rimmer by calling 01889 880100 or from the website s.rimmer@staffs-wildlife.org.uk

People can also just turn up at Lichfield bus station at 10am on Monday.