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| National Trust volunteer numbers hit record high | National Trust volunteer numbers hit record high |
| (6 days later) | |
| A record number of 70,000 people are volunteering with the National Trust, carrying out tasks ranging from keeping toads safe to carrying out demanding spring-cleans of stately homes. | A record number of 70,000 people are volunteering with the National Trust, carrying out tasks ranging from keeping toads safe to carrying out demanding spring-cleans of stately homes. |
| Helen Ghosh, the charity's director-general, said volunteers were vital. "When you visit one of our properties, for the most part the people that welcome you, explain the history of the place and look after it, are all volunteers. | Helen Ghosh, the charity's director-general, said volunteers were vital. "When you visit one of our properties, for the most part the people that welcome you, explain the history of the place and look after it, are all volunteers. |
| "On the coast and in the countryside, it is often volunteers who restore habitats, care for wildlife and maintain footpaths. | "On the coast and in the countryside, it is often volunteers who restore habitats, care for wildlife and maintain footpaths. |
| "They are skilled and committed and we are lucky to be able to rely on their support." | "They are skilled and committed and we are lucky to be able to rely on their support." |
| The figure, an increase of 30,000 in the last decade, equals the number of games makers at the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games in London – events which appear to have boosted the profile of volunteering. It is the first time the trust has passed the 70,000 mark. | The figure, an increase of 30,000 in the last decade, equals the number of games makers at the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games in London – events which appear to have boosted the profile of volunteering. It is the first time the trust has passed the 70,000 mark. |
| The South Lakes in Cumbria claims top spot for the highest number of volunteers, with 937 people helping out in the area. | The South Lakes in Cumbria claims top spot for the highest number of volunteers, with 937 people helping out in the area. |
| Close behind is Tyntesfield near Bristol, a spectacular Victorian gothic revival house, which boasts 845 regular volunteers. | Close behind is Tyntesfield near Bristol, a spectacular Victorian gothic revival house, which boasts 845 regular volunteers. |
| Justin Davis Smith, of the National Council for Voluntary Organisations, said: "Official surveys suggest that volunteering is on the up, partly as a result of the huge increase in exposure for volunteering during the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and the trust has clearly risen to the challenge of capturing this spirit and turning it into a lasting legacy. | Justin Davis Smith, of the National Council for Voluntary Organisations, said: "Official surveys suggest that volunteering is on the up, partly as a result of the huge increase in exposure for volunteering during the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and the trust has clearly risen to the challenge of capturing this spirit and turning it into a lasting legacy. |
| "And the legacy is not only of greater community benefit. Where volunteering works well, as it clearly does within the National Trust, it benefits all concerned, including the volunteers – who learn new skills, meet new people and reap the rewards of improved physical and mental well-being." | "And the legacy is not only of greater community benefit. Where volunteering works well, as it clearly does within the National Trust, it benefits all concerned, including the volunteers – who learn new skills, meet new people and reap the rewards of improved physical and mental well-being." |
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