There are a number of different ways in which volunteers can be involved. The main contribution is the vital role of carrying out regular inspections of the route.
Monitoring the Route.
The route is divided equally into 25 sections. Please see Trail Sections for the full listing. Volunteers can then chose which section or sections they wish to adopt.
Each volunteer will then inspect a minimum of four times a year (once a season). Then together the route can be inspected every month.
After each inspection the volunteer will send a simple report form to the National Trail Office as a record and to enact any repairs needed.This allows us to deal with any repairs quickly and effectively.
Volunteers are also encouraged to take photographs and make notes on the surrounding landscape and any wildlife they encounter. This additional information is really useful in monitoring the landscape of the route. It is also forwarded to the Norfolk Biological Records Centre, where appropriate, as part of their countywide monitoring program.
Monitoring the route is a great way for volunteers to enjoy the local countryside and be involved in caring for it.
Practical Activities
As well as monitoring, there are always opportunities for volunteers to get involved in practical activities. These can include repairing signs, stiles, fences, surfaces, boardwalks and vegetation cutting. Some small scale repairs are done by individuals, or with a member of staff, where an extra pair of hands is invaluable. Other activities are carried out in supervised groups. These group activities are planned for different days of the week to suit and are detailed in the Volunteer newsletters.
Volunteers tell us that they enjoy being a part of these activities, outside in the counytryside and making a difference.
Office Activities
There are a number of office actvities available to volunteers. These include data handling and users statistics, as well as information provision and helping to edit the Volunteer newsletter.
As with all the activities, the volunteer time and roles are flexible and offer an opportunity to share ideas and be a part of the National Trail team
If you are interested in volunteering or would like to ask further questions please fill in an application form at Apply Now! and our Volunteer Co-ordinator, Patrick Saunders will contact you further.