THE Woodland Trust is seeking volunteers to inspire people to create new native woods in Hampshire.

The trust is looking for a volunteer with experience in planning or planting new woodland to advise and support others.

John Tucker, Woodland Trust director of woodland creation, said: “It’s vital we have volunteers to help us spread the word of the many benefits planting trees provides. The right inspirational person can provide a valuable service in advising many different groups with what species to plant, and highlight the importance of planting new woodland.

“The trust has an aim to double the amount of native woodland across the UK, and uses the support of volunteers that naturally have a passion for protecting existing native trees and planting new woodland. Volunteers are enormously successful at building relationships with community groups, individuals, schools and landowners to plant trees and create new woodland in their area.”

Some of the key skills required are an ability to choose appropriate tree species, and experience of planting new woodland and working with groups. In return, the trust gives all volunteers a one-day induction so they feel fully confident in the role.

Planting trees has many benefits; from creating homes for endangered species such as the dormouse and barn owls, to providing clean air and beautiful respite places.

In the last three years the trust has planted over 175,000 trees in Hampshire and created over 90 hectares of woodland.

For more information about the role or to apply visit woodlandtrust.org.uk/volunteer or call Shona Morton on 08452 935670.