NEW volunteer opportunities in the great outdoors are now available at weekends in the Teign Valley near Castle Drogo.

A new weekend volunteers group has been set-up in response to requests from people eager to volunteer at weekends.

The new group is providing people with volunteer opportunities in the outdoors, a chance to develop and learn new skills as well as talking to passing walkers and visitors to the area.

For years the wardens at the picturesque Teign Valley only took on volunteers who were able to volunteer Monday to Friday.

The weekend wardens group was set-up in response to numerous requests from people who wanted to volunteer, but were only able to manage weekends as they have full-time jobs or family commitments during the week.

The newly formed group includes people who are in full-time employment, looking for a new experience, and a new career.

Since the group started many of the volunteers are booked on various training courses, and one is doing an NVQ in environmental conservation.

Tom Wood, Teign Valley warden, said: 'Over the coming months the group will learn many new skills, and will able to represent the trust on those busy summer weekends in the Teign Valley.

'They will also be able to achieve many of the "nice to do" tasks that the full-time team of wardens can never find time to do, thus improving the appearance and conservation value of the property as well as enhancing the experience and enjoyment for visitors to the Teign Valley.

'We would love more people to join us.'

For more information contact the Dartmoor office on 01626 834748 or the Teign Valley office on 01647 433356.