DAYSOUT
kept on a lead . Refresh yourself with a hot drink from the tea kiosk , which is open every weekend .
Home to a world-leading collection of conifers and containing over 12,000 specimen trees , Bedgebury Pinetum ’ s trees and landscape create a beautiful setting for peaceful walks and picnics in the rolling hills and valleys of the High Weald . A place for all , Bedgebury is inspiring for tree lovers looking to learn about tree species of international conservation importance and see them up close , as well as families who love walking together thanks to its miles of trails . As well as walks , enjoy climbing , jumping , sliding and swinging on the Play Trail or explore the canopy on a Go Ape Tree Top Adventure or Tree Top Challenge . The Bedgebury café at the visitor centre has wonderful views of the pinetum and is set beside one of many lakes .
Find Bedgebury ’ s walking trail map by visiting : www . forestryengland . uk / bedgebury
VOLUNTEER FOR IT
HERITAGE VOLUNTEERING www . kent . gov . uk / leisure-and-community / volunteering / heritage
Kent ’ s Historic Environment Record has information on archaeological sites , historic buildings and landscapes , archaeological events and sources . These records are linked to a digital mapping system . The county council are looking for enthusiastic and knowledgeable volunteers to add information to the Historic Environment Record and play a critical role in the conservation of Kent ’ s heritage . Responsible for eight windmills in Kent , the volunteering could , for example , involve preserving and promoting their use for education and tourism .
COUNTRYSIDE VOLUNTEERING www . kent . gov . uk / leisure-and-community / volunteering / countryside-volunteering
The Kent Countryside Access Forum advises the council and others on ways to improve public rights of way and green spaces in Kent . Volunteering could include being a countryside access warden to help keep public rights of way open ; volunteering in their offices ; helping your local CMP through practical work such as biological recording ; office work ; becoming more involved by becoming a volunteer officer ; or volunteering as a tree warden .
SPORTS VOLUNTEERING www . kent . gov . uk / leisure-and-community / volunteering / sports-volunteering
Active Kent and Medway is Kent ’ s local active partnership . They work to make sure the power of physical activity and sport can transform lives . Volunteering helps make sport happen . Without volunteers , clubs wouldn ’ t run , people wouldn ’ t take part in sport and other activities and communities would lose a vital asset . From volunteer coaches and committee members to making the sandwiches , supporting events and keeping the facilities in good condition , volunteers are vital in making sure people can take part in sports and other activities . VOLUNTEER IN LIBRARIES AND ARCHIVES www . kent . gov . uk / leisure-and-community / volunteering / volunteer-in-libraries
Time2Give offers enjoyable and worthwhile volunteering opportunities across Kent ’ s libraries , as well as at the Kent Archive Service and in some registration offices . There are activities for everyone , whatever your age , experience or the amount of time you are able to give . Opportunities include reading group hosts , including groups for people with mental health issues and audio reading groups for people who are blind or visually impaired ; IT Buddies - helping customers who are using library computers ; collating and indexing local study resources ; helping staff with activities to encourage family use of libraries , like baby rhyme time or homework clubs ; helping to develop resources as a Kent history champion ; assisting with functions and events including publicity and displays ; helping out in practical ways , such as with the library and ceremony gardens ; and helping people across the community access library services , such as delivering books to customers who are homebound .
KENT GREETERS www . kent . gov . uk / leisure-and-community / volunteering / kent-greeters
If you love Kent and enjoy meeting people from around the world , why not join Kent Greeters . You ’ ll get the chance to share your enthusiasm with visitors to this wonderful part of England and help make their stay all the more memorable . Visitors can ask to see specific sites or let you decide the contents of the visit . They are taken on an unscripted journey through an area you know well .
There are also many more volunteering opportunities to consider at : www . kent . gov . uk / leisure-and-community / volunteering
47 www . insidekent . co . uk •