Volunteers contributed almost 4,500 hours of their time last year “come rain or shine” to improve the countryside.
Maintenance carried out by volunteers throughout the district has saved Epping Forest District Council over £30,000 and has seen improvement works in 20 different sites.
Countrycare, the council’s countryside management service, saw a 10 per cent increase in time donated by helpers in 2015.
Works include replacing benches and repairing fencing in Roughtalleys Wood, installing new steps at Weald Common, and building a boardwalk at Linders Field, Buckhurst Hill.
The team also worked alongside Essex Wildlife Trust and various parish and town councils.
Councillor Gary Waller said: “We’re so grateful to our Countrycare volunteers who donate their time to ensure Epping Forest’s green spaces are maintained.
“Epping Forest Countrycare offers great volunteering opportunities, meeting every Thursday come rain or shine, with transport arranged so anyone can join in.”
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