A COMMUNITY group which manages 27 acres of land in Cleeve Prior, near Evesham, is looking for new volunteers.

Cleeve Prior Heritage Trust currently has an active team of 14 volunteers but more helpers are needed to look after a broad range of landscapes including traditional orchards, open spaces and several ponds.

Volunteers meet weekly on Tuesdays from 10am to 1pm and they describe their task of looking after such a wide area as “no mean feat”.

John Arkell, a member of the Cleeve Prior Heritage Trust, said: “There are a variety of tasks to be carried out throughout the year, utilising a wide range of skills.

“We also hold several events involving the local villages such as an Easter bonnet competition with an egg hunt in the orchards for the children.

“In late summer we have a plum pick and Pimm’s event and we also had our first food and craft fair this year, so there are many opportunities available for our volunteers.”

The work of the trust enables residents of the village to benefit from wildlife havens, nature trails and fruit in the orchards.

Volunteers are also celebrating the receipt of a donation from rural insurer NFU Mutual, which has funded the purchase of a new strimmer.

Beth Pritchard, corporate social responsibility executive at NFU Mutual, said: “We were delighted to give this donation to Cleeve Prior Heritage Trust.

“They are really making a difference to their local area, not only through looking after the land, but also by providing opportunities for the wider community to enjoy the area.”

To find out more about Cleeve Prior Heritage Trust or to sign up as a volunteer contact John Arkell on 01789 773814 or j.j.arkell@btinternet.com.