Volunteering whether in the Great Big Dorset Hedge project, in the preparation of a Neighbourhood Plan or to a local branch of an amenity group (SPAB, Dorset Gardens Trust) is worthwhile on so many levels. We can enrich our skills in restoring and extending the habitat for wildlife, identifying ancient field boundaries, holloways and archaeological remains which have shaped our landscape and contributed to the history of our settlements.
In supporting these campaigns we can support biodiversity and protect against climate change. Perhaps the best outcome is highlighting and recording the significance of non-designated heritage assets, those buildings that are not special enough to be listed in their own right but make a positive contribution to our towns and villages. For this reason alone we should get behind the local interest groups who are working hard to secure the needs of local communities without compromising the needs of future generations or causing long term harm to the environment or society.