A VOLUNTEER group which sells logs and woodchips for charity is looking for new members.

Worcestershire Wildlife Trust’s supporter group in the south-east of the county holds the timber sales each month at Tiddesley Wood, near Pershore, raising money for the trust’s conservation work.

But extra pairs of hands are needed to support the fundraising activity and a taster event has been organised for potential new recruits.

Harry Green, volunteer organiser of the log sales, said: “Over the years the sale of logs and woodchips at Tiddesley Wood has grown into a major activity, raising much-needed funds for the trust’s work.

“But the sales cannot operate without more volunteers and it’s just a few hours once or twice a month from October to March.

“We’re also looking for people to support us year-round in Tiddesley Wood – from helping to make sure our popular Tiddesley Wood open day runs smoothly to undertaking management work in the wood itself.

“This isn’t all about helping a good cause – it’s also a great opportunity for people to get some fresh air, save their gym fees and to make new friends. “I’m not going to deny that it can be hard work but you really do feel better for it when the last car pulls out of the loading area.

“To some of our volunteers it’s an added bonus that they’re helping wildlife on their doorstep, whereas for others that’s the main reason they come along.

“You don’t have to have any experience to help out, you just need enthusiasm for taking part.”

For volunteers the work involves filling bags, trailers and cars with pre-cut logs and woodchips and participants should wear stout footwear and scruffy clothes.

All of the timber comes from the trust’s Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) approved woodland nature reserves and is felled as part of woodland management for wildlife conservation.

To book onto the free taster session for prospective volunteers, which will take place on Sunday, October 12 from 9.30am to 1pm, contact volunteer co-ordinator Kat Willcocks on 01905 754919 or kat@worcestershirewildlifetrust.org.

The first log sales for the general public take place on Saturday, October 25 and Sunday, October 26 from 10am to 1pm. For more information visit worcswildlifetrust.co.uk.