Almost every weekend of the year, whatever the weather, a small group of volunteers can be found doing hands-on nature conservation work somewhere in the Dorset countryside.

In winter DCV typically carry out work such as grassland and heathland management, hedge laying and coppicing, whilst in warmer months, the group can be found clearing litter from beaches, drystone walling, maintaining public footpath infrastructure, fencing, or removing Himalayan Balsam.

The group is a charity, entirely run by volunteers, from the people who programme and manage the various work weekends to the person sharpening the bow saws.

The next local working party will be at Dunyeats Hill in Broadstone on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 March.

Anyone who wants to try out working with DCV will be given a warm welcome (under 18s are welcome but must be accompanied by a responsible adult). Volunteers can choose how much time to give. Training, tools and hot drinks are all provided. Details of the group’s forthcoming tasks are available on the DCV website at https://www.dcv.org.uk/ or contact the group co-ordinator on coordinator@dcv.org.uk or call 07923 498760 for information.