COULD you make a difference in Gloucestershire in the Year of the Volunteer?

In Gloucestershire the National Trust cares for many wonderful examples of Britain's cultural and natural heritage and is only able to maintain them through the vast contributions of volunteers.

Brendan McCarthy, regional director of the National Trust in Wessex, said; "Across Dorset, Somerset, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire the trust cares for historic houses, gardens, coastline and countryside. People are at the heart of everything we do. Volunteers keep our houses open, welcome visitors, drive our buggies for less mobile visitors, help out in our restaurants and shops, answer phones, run educational tours, research histories... the list is endless.

"I would like to thank all our current volunteers for their amazing contributions in 2004 and invite anyone who has a little time to spare to come and talk to us about volunteering in 2005. You will be making an enormous difference and it is lots of fun."

The trust has more than 3,700 volunteers in Wessex, contributing an estimated 216,000 hours a year.

There are many opportunities for volunteers to get involved across Gloucestershire in 2005:-

Although the house is perhaps the best known part of Dyrham Park, there are chances to volunteer as gardeners, garden stewards or to lead guided walks of the park and garden.

Anyone interested in history could help the trust with its research into the many aspects of the property and there is always the opportunity to train as a house steward.

The former hunting lodge at Newark Park, Ozleworth, also has a need for room stewards.

Further afield Snowshill Manor, near Broadway, re-opens in March after 18 months of work in the house and the trust will need room stewards to keep it open, buggy drivers to cover the 500-yard walk from the car park, help with setting up children's trails and running events and people to help as raffle ticket sellers.

At Hidcote Manor Garden garden stewards make a huge contribution to the enjoyment and understanding of the garden for visitors. New in 2005 will be a volunteer role to greet groups and give brief introductory talks about the internationally renowned garden. The property is also keen to find people to run the plant centre and help with its fundraising efforts.

At Lodge Park, near Northleach, room stewards for the 17th-century grandstand are needed to welcome visitors and help interpret the building's history.

Minchinhampton and Rodborough Commons always require volunteers to help manage the rich grasslands for the benefit of wildlife, nearby residents and visitors.

The trust's oldest historic house, Chedworth Roman Villa and the Dutch water garden, Westbury Court Garden, will also need volunteers in 2005.

Mick Wilkes, Wessex community, learning and volunteering manager, said; "The trust benefits hugely from the contribution of volunteers, but volunteering is also an opportunity to learn new skills, make new friends, pursue interests new and old, enhance your CV, work in a stimulating environment and really make a difference to the preservation of our heritage. If you could offer the Trust a little of your spare time, we would be delighted to hear from you."

Anyone interested in finding out more about volunteering should contact their local property directly or Val Perry, volunteering administrator at Wessex regional office on 01985 843633. The office re-opens on January 4.