This New Year blow away the Christmas haze on a volunteering activity with Dorset Wildlife Trust (DWT).

Volunteering tasks range from getting dirty and up-close with practical conservation work on reserves, to providing administrative support in the office, or helping run events at visitor centres. Dorset Wildlife Trust’s volunteering manager Steve Davis said: “Volunteers are vital to the organisation and help us carry out our important conservation work. “Volunteering can bring personal satisfaction too – whether it’s learning a new skill, making new friends and keeping fit or simply being closer to nature, there’s something for everyone, no matter where you live in Dorset.”

Pat Jefferies has been volunteering at Lorton Meadows conservation centre since May 2013.

He said: “I was offered the chance to do butterfly transects at Lorton Meadows, and after a few weeks I started helping to look after the office or shop during events. “Now I also help out with social media for the Trust. It has given me a massive sense of satisfaction, achievement and the motivation to learn more. I can be as involved as much or as little as I want to be.”

For another great way to start the New Year, you can help wildlife in Dorset at the Fine Foundation Chesil Beach Centre sale on January 4 and 5 where all profits go straight back into important conservation work in Dorset.

For more information about volunteering, please visit dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk/volunteering or contact us on 01202 642788. To find out about all the volunteering events, visit dorset wildlifetrust.org.uk/events