A TEAM of eco-warriors from the community-based environmental group Transition Stroud has celebrated clocking up over 600 hours of voluntary conservation work.

The green-fingered task force has been helping the National Trust with its woodland management projects in Randwick and Standish Woods, in Shortwood and on Haresfield Beacon since 2011.

Volunteers from the group have been meeting five times a year to lend a helping hand with the work.

Transition Stroud is a network for local people and groups working on the transition to a locally-based low carbon lifestyle.

On Saturday, December 14, the benevolent bunch celebrated 600 hours of voluntary conservation work with potatoes and sausages baked on a fire.

John Fisher, co-ordinator of the group, said: “It’s been great for us to work in partnership with the National Trust and to be able to assist, Tim Jenkins, the ranger, with some conservation and woodland management.”

Philip Booth, who helped set up the group, added: "It is great to come together with other local residents and a bonus is, that often the members are able to leave with a boot load of wood to chop at home.

“Tim Jenkins has been fantastic – particularly great is learning more about our local woods from the ancient barrows to 70 year old anthills and rare moths.

“Many of us missed out on some of the great stories and life of our countryside; it is wonderful to reconnect and learn."

National Trust ranger Tim Jenkins, said: “It’s a real privilege to work in partnership with Transition Stroud, to have the local community involvement is so important.

“Their enthusiasm and commitment has helped to manage a beautiful part of the Cotswolds, here at Haresfield.

“We are very lucky in the Stroud area to have so much free access to wonderful countryside providing so many benefits.”

To find out more about Transition Stroud visit: transitionstroud.org