Volunteers wanted to help look after our special coast

With support from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the AONB Partnership is working together with Northumberland Wildlife Trust, Seahouses Development Trust and Natural England to develop a new project which will look after the sweeping sandy beaches, rolling dunes, village greens and community spaces, farmland and grasslands, which make up our coastal environment.

These areas all need careful care and management to maintain the landscape, protect the plants and animals that live here and enable local residents and visitors to explore and enjoy it.

If funding is secured, the new Coast Care project will support volunteers of all ages to care for and nurture this exceptional landscape.

There will be opportunities for volunteers who want to contribute on their own or as part of a group and those who are able to make a regular commitment as well as those who just have a couple of hours to spare. In short, there will be something for everyone.

The project team are keen to hear from anybody who would be interested in supporting this project as a volunteer.

Coun John Woodman, chairman of the Northumberland Coast AONB Partnership, said: “The Northumberland coast is very special to all of us who live here and it is really important that we create ways for local people to look after it.

“The project will provide training, expenses and support for people who are able to give a little of their free time.

“Whether a regular weekly commitment, joining a volunteer group, leading guided walks or events or making cakes for meetings or fund-raising activities, there will be something for everyone.”

If you think you could help, let the AONB know by completing the questionnaire at www.northumberland coastaonb.org/volunteering by Saturday, July 30.

All respondents will be entered into a prize draw to win a Northumbrian hamper (winner announced after August 19).