VOLUNTEERS are being urged to join Dorset’s innovative wood wardens scheme as it marks its 10th anniversary.

The project, which currently has five members, was set up by the Forestry Commission in 2002 to help the management of Dorset’s forests.

Wardens undertake conservation tasks such as clearing the edges of woodland tracks to improve butterfly habitats, pond making and removing seedling pine regeneration from woodland to provide welcome habitats for rare birds and reptiles.

Mark Warn, a Forestry Commission wildlife ranger based at Wareham Forest said: “Our volunteer wood wardens play an integral role in helping to conserve and enhance our local forests and we’re keen to enlist more local helpers as we approach the winter months.”

Bill Haddrell, 70, is a volunteer covering a patch stretching from Blandford to Purbeck, and from Dorchester to Wareham.

He said: “I’ve always been fascinated by local wildlife and over the past decade I’ve been able to develop my knowledge and deepen my appreciation.

“The level of commitment only amounts to about one day of volunteering every month. In that time I’ve got involved in everything from ‘weeding’ the forest to helping the wildlife ranger with bat, dormice and smooth snake conservation projects.”

Volunteers must be over 16. To find out more visit forestry.gov.uk/newforest or call Andrew Norris on 02380 286828.