The National Trust is calling for volunteers to join the team in West Cornwall to help look after special places in their care.  

The volunteer teams are looking to expand their numbers across two particular roles and are calling on any locals who might like to volunteer for an hour or two a week to help out, either in an engaging visitor-facing role at the Mayon Lookout or with a more outdoors role checking on the herd of semi-wild Dartmoor ponies.  

The team of pony checkers provide daily welfare checks on the Dartmoor herd at various sites throughout West Cornwall. Prospective volunteers don’t need any special skills, just a love of walking and the outdoors, sometimes in isolated or wild terrain, and plenty of enthusiasm and willingness to learn about the National Trust’s work. 

Simon Hocking, area ranger for West Cornwall, said: “We’ve had the herd of Dartmoor ponies for three years now, they’re a hardy breed suited perfectly to the conditions in West Cornwall. They happily live outside in all weather and are ideal for conservation grazing to help restore and maintain habitats so that a range of wildflowers can thrive. 

He continued: “Pony checking volunteer team are essential in helping us with conservation in the countryside by providing daily checks on the ponies’ welfare. Many of the current volunteers came to us after bumping into existing pony checkers or because they enjoy spending time in the outdoors. We provide all the training needed, we just need individuals who are happy to donate an hour or two a week, even on an ad hoc basis, and enjoy being outdoors in all weather.’ 

Also looking to expand their numbers is the team at the Mayon Lookout near Sennen Cove, which is cared for by an enthusiastic band of volunteers who are looking for more people to join them and help inspire visitors by telling the Lookout’s story. 

From its humble beginnings as a coastguard lookout to its protection from development, the Lookout is a prime location for wildlife watching, from dolphins and whales to various birds who make their home long the cliff, including the famous Cornish Chough.  

Anybody interested in joining the team doesn’t need to be a wildlife expert, the team are looking for friendly, happy people who are keen to talk to people and willing to learn.  

Katie Reynolds, senior visitor experience officer, said: “We’re looking for people who are happy chatting to visitors, telling the story of the Lookout’s history, and the conservation of the surrounding land. We’ll provide all the resources you’ll need, you don’t need any special skills.”

Anyone interested in volunteering should get in touch with Katie by email at [email protected] or by calling 07771 978763.