GWENT Wildlife Trust (GWT) us appealing for a different kind of volunteer with a new call for volunteer shepherds.

GWT volunteer shepherds help with the charity’s specialist breed livestock which graze their nature reserves at Pentwyn Farm and Wyeswood Common, near Penallt along with sites throughout GWT’s Living Valleys areas, including Henllys Bog nature reserve in Cwmbran.

One person who has found the joy in becoming a shepherd is retired nurse Pauline Gaywood.

She has swapped caring for people, for nurturing wildlife and enhancing nature, is appealing for others to join her and become a volunteer shepherd.

Pauline is one of around ten current volunteer shepherds assisting GWT in the Monmouthshire area -  the charity is seeking around five more people to join their flock there.

Pauline aged 55, whose career in nursing spanned more than 35 years said anyone who is fit and has an interest in wildlife and conservation, could easily become a volunteer shepherd, just like her.

Pauline said: “I enjoy being outdoors checking on the cows and the sheep and the locations of GWT’s reserves at Pentwyn Farm and Wyeswood Common, are fabulous with breath-taking views, whatever the time of year. 

“I think most people, if they like being outdoors, would get something out of being a volunteer shepherd. 

Volunteer shepherding duties include walking around, counting and checking on cows and sheep, and looking for signs of injury or illness.

Volunteers also need to check fences and gates to ensure livestock are safe and have access to water. Volunteers work to a rota system and must be aged over 18. 

They must also be able to drive or be willing and able to use public transport.

All training and advice is provided to the volunteer shepherds by GWT’s Senior Farm and Wildlife Development Officer Tim Green and GWT’s Senior Reserves Officer Tom Eyles.

For more information or to volunteer contact Gwent Wil-dlife Trust on 01600 740600 or email info @gwentwildlife.org or visit www.gwentwild life.org

Photo courtesy of Adrienne Cox