This winter, don’t hibernate… help out!

As winter approaches and the nights draw in, it is very easy for us to hunker down, but for me there is nothing better than escaping the day-today by getting outdoors and enjoying all that nature has to offer.

Not least the mental and physical benefits of getting active in the fresh air.

One great way to do that is volunteering at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.

We are a registered charity and are always looking for new members to join the lineside conservation team, who love swapping the humdrum of everyday for some fresh air and beautiful vistas.

Everybody’s welcome. You’ll become one of the railway family, get to know all about the NYMR, who we are and actually be a part of the landscape yourself.

The NYMR lineside conservation work is all thanks to funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund through the Yorkshire’s Magnificent Journey Project, which was specifically designed with longevity in mind and to ensure the sustainability of the railway.

When it comes to habitats and conservation, there are three target areas this winter to the 18 miles of line from Pickering to Grosmont.

The southern end is all about extending the habitats of the rare butterflies such as the wonderful Duke of Burgundy - we have worked hard on their habitat and their breeding has been confirmed on our lineside which is great news.

From Levisham to Fen Bog (a Yorkshire Wildlife

Trust nature reserve and the summit of the NYMR), the peatland is home to the likes of otters and rare birds, while further north it is a fantastic environment for a roll call of reptiles – slow worms, adders and common lizards. It is a real mosaic of habitats.

So, what’s involved if you do want to help out?

Conservation volunteering is physical work, clearing areas, digging, lopping and using bow saws – but it is hugely rewarding and there are visible results. It is genuinely suitable for lots of different people and we encourage you to take it at your own pace.

For example, one of our volunteers, Jeff, has arthritis, so he simply takes his own chair to sit on when he needs a breather.

If you’re interested, you need to be aged 18 or over, and our volunteer days are generally Thursdays.

It really is rewarding work and something special.

To volunteer visit the website for opportunities at nymr.co.uk/volunteer

• Pictured are North Yorkshire Moors Railway lineside conservation volunteers Geoff, Matthew and Nic (photo submitted).