A GREEN-FINGERED Dorset woman recruited by the RSPCA is making her mark as part of a new initiative for the King's Coronation.

Judi Simmons, from Wareham, carried out a litter pick on her own around the town as part of the Big Help Out national movement.

The project was launched in March and shines a light on the valuable contribution of volunteers within our society.

From litter picking to rewilding gardens or building habitats where wild animals can thrive, RSPCA volunteers such as Ms Simmons have taken part in the project to celebrate the coronation on May 8 by becoming a 'Wildlife Friend'.

By becoming 'Wildlife Friends', people make a pledge to volunteer their time on and before May 8 to complete small tasks to support, nurture and protect wildlife.​​

The Wareham woman also demonstrated her creativity by building a log-pile to provide a habitat for hedgehogs and field mice that are frequent visitors to her garden.

Ms Simmons has previously undertaken other indoor-based volunteering work for the RSPCA, but said she was enthused by the idea of getting out into the great outdoors.

“I was spurred on to sign up as a Wildlife Friend because I love animals and am so sickened by cruelty and neglect towards them that I want to help in any small way I can, and to be a force for good,” she said. 

“We have got several hedgehogs and mice in our garden, so I thought it would be really nice to create somewhere for them.

"I’ve built a log-pile from old wooden lawn edging pieces. As well as being something for the wildlife it is also a really nice feature in the garden too.”

RSPCA chief executive Chris Sherwood added: “We all share our neighbourhoods with wonderful wildlife and we need to protect them - so by becoming an RSPCA Wildlife Friend, animal lovers can join with their community to make a safe space for the animals who share our world.” 

RSPCA head of volunteering Brian Reeves said: “We can all do our bit for animals and ‘Wildlife Friends’ is great for anyone who can spare a few minutes, or a couple of hours.

"These things will all make a huge difference for wild animals, and their welfare - and we’re hoping even more amazing volunteers join us as part of the Big Help Out between now and May 8.”