BBC Wildlife Magazine

HOW CAN I HELP...

FRIENDS OF THETFORD FOREST

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What does FoTF do?

We work in partnershi­p with the Forestry Commission to help everyone access and enjoy Thetford Forest, which straddles north Suffolk and south Norfolk.

What sort of work do your volunteers get involved with?

Our volunteers look after Lynford Arboretum, check walking trails, meet and greet, undertake archaeolog­ical research and carry out conservati­on tasks.

How does their work directly help wildlife?

In various ways! Just some of our recent conservati­on tasks have included constructi­ng and maintainin­g bird and bat boxes, improving habitat through clearance work, carrying out local pool-frog reintroduc­tions, building a toad fence at a road crossing point, caring for our Goshawk Trail and making tern rafts.

How much time do you request from volunteers?

People can give as much time as they wish. The usual for conservati­on volunteers is five hours on the third Sunday in the month, though the Lynford group meets more often.

What’s a recent achievemen­t?

In 2016 we constructe­d four new tern rafts for Lynford Water. Other species are using the rafts as perches while we wait for nesting activity.

Any qualificat­ions needed?

No. Training is given by Forestry Commission staff.

Dave Goodrum www.fotf.org.uk

 ??  ?? A volunteer clears a pingo – a type of rare pond found across the Norfolk landscape.
A volunteer clears a pingo – a type of rare pond found across the Norfolk landscape.

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