IT'S not always possible to spot workers for the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers (BTCV) as they are usually busy in one of many hidden pockets of the countryside.

The BTCV is a national charity which gives people the opportunity to put something back into the community and the environment, as well as giving budding conservationists the opportunity to gain valuable practical skills.

Projects include hedge laying, tree planting, scrub clearance, dry stone walling, pond and river work, fencing and woodland management.

Exeter's BTCV training officer, Kari Bettoney said: "Volunteering for the BTCV is open to everyone. We work with a range of people and have teenagers to people in their 80s.

"Volunteering gives them the opportunity to gain experience in conservation. This is often required to get a job in related work so it's great for the CV and shows future employers that you have get-up-and-go.

"A lot of our volunteers enjoy the work so much that they've signed up to do a diploma in environmental conservation. This involves volunteering for two days a week for nine months and we have volunteers who project manage particular projects as well.

"The work is often physical but it is also very social, so volunteering is a great way of getting fit, meeting other people and having fun in the outdoors.

"We often go off the beaten track for the jobs as well so our volunteers get to see some really beautiful, hidden spots of the countryside.

"Without our volunteers the BTCV couldn't do the work it does — they really benefit the community and our wildlife at grassroots level."

Kari said the volunteers usually have a broad range of skills so they try to channel these into different projects.

"No experience or knowledge of conservation is necessary as full training is provided," she added. "And we provide the tea, coffee and biscuits! We don't ask for any particular commitment, people can come for one day or regularly, and the diploma in environmental conservation is possible for those who are really keen. People can either give us a call or visit our website to find out more."

Jeremy Bunting, 24, from St David's, has been volunteering with the BTCV for six months. He said: "I started for a mixture of reasons. Since completing my biology related degree I saw volunteering as a way of gaining more practical knowledge and skills. It is also a good way of getting a better understanding about how the land is managed and the methods employed to make the countryside a better place. Volunteering is not only a great way of learning new skills but it is also really social and a great way of getting out into the countryside. I think these are big draws for a lot of the volunteers. Seeing the results of your work and being able to stand back and see the benefits we've created is really satisfying."

Sara Brice, 23, from Stoodleigh, near Tiverton, started volunteering for the BTCV in December in order to complete the diploma. She said: "Although I have a degree in conservation, volunteering for the BTCV is giving me practical skills. It's been really great getting out in the outdoors and meeting new people. I think it's good to do something for your community and the environment as well."