WIREDGOV

Pond dipping, a hunt for ancient trees, coppicing and scrub bashing were just a few of the activities Wildlife and Biodiversity Minister Huw Irranca-Davies got stuck into yesterday as part of Defra’s Muck In4Life campaign.

The Minister was spending a day volunteering for conservation work in the South East to find out about the range of activities available.

Muck In4Life encourages families and people of all ages to get fit and healthy out and about in the countryside by taking part in conservation volunteering with all sorts of activities on offer from bird surveying to pond cleaning and path building.

Volunteers can also take part in the Muck in4Life photo competition to win high street vouchers simply by taking snaps of their volunteering experience. The winning photos will also be displayed at the world famous Kew Gardens.

Huw Irranca-Davies said:
“I’d encourage anyone to have a go at conservation volunteering – today I’ve been having a go at just some of the range of activities you can get stuck in to, including building a gate with Natural England, cataloguing ancient trees with The Woodland Trust and de-silting a pond with the Wildlife Trust. But you could also have a go at things such as laying a hedge, building bird, bee or bat boxes or even trying your hand at dry stone walling.

“Volunteering and getting stuck in with nature is great for your health and will help conserve the animals, plants and trees this country is famous for – and most importantly, it’s fun!”

Find out more about volunteering in your area by searching online for Muck in4Life.

Notes to editors

1. Muck In4Life is the Defra campaign which supports the Department of Health’s Change4Life campaign and is supported by a wide range of environmental stakeholders. It encourages biodiversity by highlighting the fun and enjoyment which comes from being active and volunteering outdoors in the fresh air to help conserve wildlife, landscape, parks, gardens and other green spaces.

2. To find out about conservation volunteering near you, or to enter the photo competition, please go to www.direct.gov.uk/muckin4life

3. The Muck In4Life photo competition is being run in association with the International Garden Photographer of the Year and Kew Gardens, looking for an overall Conservation Photographer of the Year as well as regional winners and an under 16 years category . This competition celebrates the conservation volunteering experience and entrants can submit their photos through www.direct.gov.uk/muckin4life

Nobel House, 17 Smith Square, London SW1P 3JR
Out of hours telephone 020 7270 8960

Public enquiries: 08459 335577
News releases available on our website:
www.defra.gov.uk
Defra's aim is sustainable development