VOLUNTEERS are needed to help carry out a range of environmental projects designed to improve and sustain the local environment.

The Central Lakeland branch of the British Conservation Trust for Volunteers has launched a recruitment drive to help let visitors and residents know that they are back on track with a programme of midweek projects.

Although there are still some foot-and-mouth restrictions, projects coming up include scrub-cutting and dam-building at Burnsbeck Moss and bramble clearing at Thirlmere.

A footpath needs to be built across a boggy patch of land at Craggy Wood, path repairs are needed at Lakeside and scrub cutting is required on Hutton Roof.

No experience is needed as full training is given.

The group goes out on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, with a minibus picking up at the Brockhole Visitor Centre, Ambleside Library, Windermere Tourist Information Centre and Kendal Green although times vary according to the location of the work.

Seats on the minibus also need to be booked the day before, by phoning 015394-43098.