National Trust reaches 50,000 volunteers
16 May 2008
The National Trust is celebrating after reaching a landmark 50,000 volunteers helping it to carry out its work.
Fiona Reynolds, director general of the charitable organisation, expressed her gratitude to the helpers.
"They are integral to what we do and without them we could not ensure that our special places remain open, relevant and accessible to millions of people," she added.
A recent survey by the trust indicated that its volunteers are encouraged by a wide variety of factors, such as making new friends, developing new interests - which could include walking and gardening - and developing career prospects.
The study suggested that 96 per cent of its unpaid assistants feel as though they are making a positive contribution through their work.
In related news, the trust recently announced that the UK's largest-ever plant hunt began recently in the form of a three-year survey of a wide range of flora in its gardens.
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