Environmental '˜friends' praised for turn out in Carrick

Mayor Audrey Wales pictured with volunteers, Irene Black, Rosie Irwin and Andrew Ennis.

Since January, Mid and East Antrim’s ‘Friends Of’ volunteers have been helping with bird ringing at Bashfordsland Wood and Oakfield Glen.

It is one of a number of “Friends of” groups in Mid and East Antrim.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Councillor Audrey Wales MBE said: “We have had a fantastic turn out at our Friends Of meetings which have been running each Saturday in January.

“Throughout the year, volunteers will continue to help with a wide range of tasks such as nest box building, tree planting, river cleans, invasive species removal and wildflower planting.

“Our ‘Friends Of’ groups are a great opportunity to get outside in the fresh air, meet like-minded people and learn new skills, all the while protecting and improving your local green space.

“Volunteering can help participants to gain confidence and self-esteem and can also have health benefits as you are being active outdoors. Volunteering provides huge opportunities to enhance your CV to impress future employers or help with university applications. And of course, it can be great fun.”

The Friends of Bashfordsland Wood and Oakfield Glen will continue to meet on the second Saturday of each month, at Oakfield Community Centre, from 10.00 am until 1.00 pm.