VOLUNTEERS have been urged to brave the outdoors this winter and get involved with a range of conservation projects taking place in Stratton.

The parish council is keen to follow on from a successful summer of volunteer involvement by recruiting as many people as possible to help keep the area looking clean and tidy.

The parish council’s senior parks and open spaces officer, David Boase, said: “This summer’s greatest challenge was in keeping up with a vigorous growing season with a reduced grounds team.

“That said, the team have worked extremely hard to meet demands, respond to complaints, and support council events this year, and I for one am very grateful for their determination and commitment.

“Headway is now being made beyond the team’s core duties with an eye towards engaging in a number of winter projects.”

These include planting bulbs and trees, picking up litter and maintaining the parish’s historic rights of way.

In fact, volunteers are out in force this morning removing litter from various streets around Stratton.

The next volunteer day will be on November 5, when people will be planting bulbs at Grange Leisure and the surrounding area.

Hot on the parish council’s to-do list is maintaining the public rights of way, which can easily become overgrown.

As David said: “The rights of way have traditionally been taken care of by the borough council, but sometimes they don’t get the attention they deserve and they can be quite difficult to maintain.

“We want to encourage local people to take on the responsibility of keeping them in shape.

“There are many benefits to be had from getting involved in the projects, from meeting new people to simply getting out into the fresh air and enjoying nature.”

For more information about the conservation plans log on to strattonstmargaret.gov.uk or call 01793 823761.