Volunteers at the Heart of Countryside Regeneration Trust’s Bere Marsh Farm

Volunteers are the backbone of the CRT, supporting everything we do from practical conservation to wildlife monitoring.  

At Bere Marsh Farm in Shillingstone, a dedicated volunteer community plays a vital role in regenerating the countryside and protecting local wildlife. 

The team of volunteers has once again done a fantastic job at the farm, making 2025 a highly successful year.  

A regular group meets every Friday to tackle hands-on farm tasks, while another gathers on Tuesdays in the workshop to create wildlife boxes. These are sold at the farm, with all proceeds reinvested into conservation work.

CRT Head of Volunteering Leslie Hackett said: “This year, our volunteers have taken part in a number of key projects. These include habitat restoration, hedge planting, tree planting and ditch clearing.

“Volunteers also help with wildlife surveys for moths, butterflies and birds as we well as with our site maintenance and footpath repairs. They also assist us with community activities, such as our popular dawn chorus event.” 
 
One of the big projects last year was the installation of the pond-dipping platform at Bere Marsh Farm. 
 
“This is a fantastic addition to the farm and a real asset for our education work,” Leslie added. “Our volunteers have also stepped up brilliantly to run The Buzz Café at Bere Marsh Farm. They love welcoming visitors, who come to enjoy a hot drink, a slice of cake and a well-earned rest.” 

Bere Marsh Farm is always looking for new volunteers to help the CRT protect local wildlife. You can support the CRT in any number of ways, such as joining as a CRT Friend, volunteering, attending events and visiting The Buzz Cafe.  

For more information about volunteering, please see our volunteering page here or contact Volunteer Manager Leslie Hackett at [email protected]