Hard working volunteers have been helping Skelton Grange Environment Centre to provide an inspiring natural environment for visiting children to explore. The environmental education centre in South Leeds has been holding a range of volunteering events, and there's still time to get involved! Volunteers have been constructing new footpaths, creating a storytelling area, and cutting the hedgerows back into shape.

The volunteering events have been supported by GreenPrints, a partnership of five of the country's leading not-for-profit organisations that provides funding and support for over 700 projects, dedicated to helping young people improve green spaces in our communities. SITA Trust, v the youth volunteering charity, BTCV, The Wildlife Trusts and the BBC's Breathing Places campaign, have joined forces to run one of the most integrated, supportive and intuitive funding programmes in the country.

The next event will be on 16th November, when volunteers can help to construct a footpath and create new habitats for hedgehogs and minibeasts! This will be followed by a two-day tree planting extravaganza on 31st November and 1st December, when a new woodland will be created. The events are aimed at 16-25 year olds, but all over 16s are welcome, and lunch will be included. Volunteers must book a place by emailing skelton@btcv.org.uk or by ringing 0113 2430815.

"These events are a great opportunity for people to try out volunteering, and to help keep Skelton Grange's wildlife area looking great for visiting children", said Project Officer Toby Roberts. "You don't need to have any experience, just come and give it a try!"

Skelton Grange Environment Centre is an innovative environmental education project in South Leeds, which is a partnership between BTCV and National Grid with support from Leeds City Council. It offers a range of fun, hands-on environmental education activities for schoolchildren which aim to encourage an interest in the natural world. More information can be found on the centre's website at www.skeltongrange.org.uk.

Volunteer for a better environment!