SCOUT leaders are appealing for volunteers to help carry out maintenance at a campsite near Taunton used by up to 1,400 young people.

Huish Woods, which is off the A358 at West Hatch, between Taunton and Ilminster, is now back up and running after a two-year shutdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Lee Troake and Nadia Atherton, the new district commanders for Scouting in the Blackdown patch - which covers from Wiveliscombe to Crewkerne - are now asking people to come forward to help return the site to full capacity.

Lee said: "After almost two years of partial hibernation, Huish Woods is now opening in is fullest form.

"We are looking to create a new volunteer management structure with a number of key roles to help run the campsite.

"We would like members of the public to consider using their skills to help the 21 Scout groups in Blackdown, and the near 1,400 young people who use this services.

"We also have additional Scout groups and schools from across the UK who use this site."

Anyone willing to help does not need prior Scouting experience as they would be on site when there are very few young people present.

"Huish Woods is a unique and special place that other districts aren't lucky enough to have and we want to ensure it continues to be an asset and fully utilised," added Lee.

"For those who are available during the week, we need more people to join our regular Wednesday working group at the campsite, including repairs, decorating and other general maintenance - we have huge fields and a big mower.

"We are also looking to have weekend working parties to complete work on the bigger projects."

Recently Chris Pinguenet and a team of apprentices from Western Power spent a week in the woods making good the structures and carrying out general maintenance.

If this sounds like something that you or somebody you know would be interested in helping with, email dc@blackdownscouts.org.uk with your details.

You are also encouraged to get in touch if you have other skills you think would be beneficial to the woods.