WINTER is drawing in, the ground is soggy and the days are short.

But the local task force of the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers are confident that they will attract some badly-needed new recruits for projects in the Bolton area.

The dedicated group say the change of seasons is more of a thrill than a burden as they give Mother Nature a helping hand.

The BTCV base is at The Barn Countryside Centre in Philips Park, Whitefield, but their patch includes all the Bolton area and they work unpaid, throughout the year, tending the environment and improving conditions for wildlife.

"But for obvious reasons we tend to have a lapse in interest around winter time," explained centre manager Laurence Kitchinson.

Volunteers are always needed to help out with projects that also teach them a variety of new skills.

Laurence said: "We're a friendly bunch and people can come along on our projects whenever they can fit it in. Even those with the most basic of skills are welcome and we encourage everyone to get involved."

As well as a weekend group, Bolton also has a midweek team who are almost always desperate for volunteers because recruiting is confined to people who are either retired, unemployed or have a day off and time on their hands.

Project programmes are planned for three months at a time, and include work such as dry stone walling, tree felling and clearance, tree planting, pond creation, hedge laying and stile construction.

Recent projects by Bolton's Wednesday gang have included fencing to protect new trees at Blackrod, a footpath at Dunscar Golf Course and path waymarking.

On Wednesday this week they were tree planting at Longsight Lane, Harwood to mark National Tree Week. On December 13 they will be at Clifton Moss, coppicing willows and in January at Jumbles Country Park, working on footpath drainage.

Laurence added: "If there is something you fancy doing or learning more about, just come along for that particular task. On the other hand people who are generally interested in conservation can become more involved and undertake training courses with a view to full-time employment related to the environment."

Keen conservationist Cath Crowley, of Tottington, became involved with BTCV only two months ago after she telephoned the centre. She said: "I like the outdoors and hope that this might lead to full-time work in conservation. I can pick up new skills and learn about traditional crafts, such as hedge laying.

"We go to different areas and meet lots of new people. I'm quite new so haven't discovered the social side of things yet. The work is hard but very rewarding."

Richard Elrington, who lives in Bolton, is 34 but already a veteran volunteer. He has been involved in conservation work, on and off, for the past nine years -- since he picked up a BTCV leaflet from the library.

He said: "It fills my time during the day and I enjoy working in a group. I was made redundant a few months ago and being a volunteer keeps my spirits up. I wanted to give something back to the environment."

Group supervisor Gordon Smith explained what the BTCV could offer.

He said: "I started out as a volunteer and learned all about dry stone walling and other skills. Now, as a supervisor, I can teach groups of volunteers the same skills. I was always interested in conservation and wanted a "hands on" type job.

"I also organise "Natural Break" holidays, which are conservation holidays for foreign students who want to come over to Britain and work while they learn the language."

Gordon, 44, advised anyone who was a little "scared" at taking the plunge to pick up the phone and get in touch. "Just pick out something from the programme and give it a go. We do work hard but we're not slave drivers. You can work at your own pace and we appreciate it when people can make it."

BTCV arranges transport to work sites on the second Wednesday of each month from Bolton Central Library entrance. But there are also tasks on other days in other parts of Greater Manchester. Contact Laurence Kitchinson on 0161 796 6404 for details. THE COUNTRY SCENE SUITS TV EXTRA IAN AN interest in the countryside has developed into a new career for Bolton man Ian Eddleston.

Semi-retired Ian juggles his work at BTCV with his job as a part-time private ambulance driver in Bolton -- and working as a TV extra.

Regular soap watchers may have seen the 50-year-old Egerton man in action on the set of Coronation Street or Emmerdale but Ian says he is most at home in the great outdoors.

He said: "I've always enjoyed the countryside and walking. When I had a bit of time on my hands, I decided to try and learn more about it.

"I found a leaflet in my local library and looked up information about the nearest BTCV centre on the website."

After starting off as a volunteer, Ian decided he wanted to get more involved and three months ago he became an officer.

"Basically that just means I can become a group leader and take people out on projects myself," explained Ian.

"And it gives me the opportunity to undertake informal training as well."

As a volunteer officer, Ian has to be able to drive the BTCV minibus, display leadership skills and be proficient in first-aid.

In return, he can gain recognised qualifications that could lead to employment in the environmental field.

He said: "If I'm going to do it I may as well try to get some qualifications, so I am taking an NVQ in practical conservation.

"The opportunities are limitless and BTCV is respected by other organisations."

He says the flexible conditions in BTCV mean he can be on call to work for the private ambulance service at any time.

He added that the people involved just do what they are able to do but that everyone in the group pulls their weight to get results on the projects.

Ian said: "It's a great stress reliever and we get a lot of satisfaction.

"To me, it's like being a little lad again.

"On one project we had to build a nesting raft for birds in the centre of a reservoir. I had a great time."