Could you be a friend to Beacon Wood?

A group of volunteers, keen to protect and enhance Beacon Wood Country Park next to Southfleet Road in Bean, are calling for others to help their cause.

As well as raising funds to improve different areas, the Friends of Beacon Wood also encourage local people to get involved in looking after the park’s flora and fauna.

One project the group has recently started is to improve the footpath network to help newcomers and the less able-bodied enjoy the further reaches of the woodland.

Half a dozen hard-core volunteers come out on the first Sunday of every month between 10am and 2pm to tackle the work - but it’s a big job and they need more help.

Bryan Bullen was the warden of Beacon Wood before he retired and is now involved with the volunteers.

He said: “The wood is used by many – people with young families, dog walkers, birdwatchers and botanists, and those just out for an invigorating walk to keep fit.”

Enthusiastic volunteers are welcome to turn up and help at any time, nobody is restricted to the Sunday slot.

Mr Bullen, 70, added: “It’s a beautiful woodland and what better way to spend a day than helping the team and having a woodland picnic?”

If manual labour is too much, you can still help with more gentle jobs such as carrying out research and surveys of the animals and plants in the area.

If you would like to volunteer contact the group founders, Diane and Les, on 01474 833539 or email friendsofbeaconwood@gmail.com.