A local woodland conservation group is celebrating after reaching a new milestone in its work. Knighton Tree Allotments Trust (KTAT) has contributed over 3,000 hours of volunteer time in local woodlands since January 2013 and wants more people to get involved for the next 3,000 hours.

Angie Zelter, KTAT Trustee and a volunteer said: “We’re delighted to have achieved this much support for our work and I’d like to thank all those volunteers who have contributed to this success.

“Volunteering with us is a great opportunity to get lots of fresh air and exercise while working with a welcoming group of friendly people. Our volunteer members learn practical woodland skills, improve wildlife habitats and gain access to affordable woodland products such as firewood and timber so we are hoping that more people will join us.”

KTAT works with local land owners to manage woodland for the benefit of both wildlife and its members. The volunteers meet up once a week on alternating Thursdays and Sundays with all training and tools provided by the Trust.

“Everyone works at their own pace and ability” added Angie. “We are enthusiastic amateurs giving our time in a sociable way. We work fairly short days, partly so that parents can join us on Thursdays and still be at the school gate in time to collect the children. The work is fun and gives you a real sense of achievement at the end of the day.”

“The volunteer days in local woodlands are actually only half the story”, said Gary Cowell, Co-ordinator of the Trust. “We have volunteers who help behind the scenes with things like fundraising, promotion, training and keeping the accounts. If you include this, the total volunteer hours contributed so far is almost 6,000.

“We are always keen to hear from anyone who would like to help the Trust and are currently seeking an experienced volunteer fundraiser to help write funding bids to continue and expand the Trust’s work, including training for volunteers and new tools.”

Those wishing to volunteer with KTAT, or seeking more information, can contact the Trust via email at [email protected] or by telephone on 01547 520374 or 01547 520929. The KTAT website can be found at: www.tveg.org.uk/wordpress/what-we-do/woodland-project.