Honiton: Climate Change Volunteering course available this new year

Neroche Woodlanders have spaces available on a short introductory programme to welcome new volunteers into the woods and help them learn more about climate and nature.

Neroche Woodlands is an informal and practical social enterprise group based at Young Wood, on the edge of the Blackdown Hills.

The course, Climate Aware Volunteering, which runs throughout January and February, is free and is being funded by the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The programme includes four woodland-based learning days, and it runs each fortnight, starting on January 12.

Activities will include discussions on climate issues with a hands-on introduction to practical conservation work. This work will include coppicing (felling trees to allow regrowth), tree planting, scything and other small tasks.

The group have leased a hundred acres from Forestry England where they have built a camp with an outdoor kitchen, a round house, composting loos and a barn.

As well as conservation work, Neroche Woodlanders offer sessions for children and families with additional needs, including the disabled, those with special needs and children who are eligible for free school meals.

They also work with adults with learning difficulties.

Jenny Archard is one of the founders of Woodlanders.

She told Nub News: "The Climate Aware Volunteering is about getting some new people to come outdoors and learn, make connections and take practical action, which is good for us and nature.

"I've always felt more at home outdoors, and through my working life (community work, therapy, grant funding manager) I realised that it was helpful for the way we think and what we now call wellbeing.

"About 15 years ago opportunities started to emerge and with my now partner we set up what is now Neroche Woodlanders. I trained as a Forest School leader (amongst other things) and he brought his conservation and ecology skills.

"The children and adults enjoying being somewhere friendly and safe, love being at home in nature and playing or making is always key! We often cook lots of nice food on the campfire, so everything is like a community in the woods, that look after the woods."

If you are interested in joining one or all of the sessions, or you would like to become a volunteer generally, more information is available here