The 'State of Nature' report, published today, is the apex of a vast pyramid of loving and heroic toil by many thousands of volunteer naturalists, writes Dr Mark Eaton - hard at work in all seasons in our marshes, forests, mountains, swamps and farmland. But do we have the young recruits to keep this wonderful tradition going?
Charity group Tools for Self Reliance empower the disadvantaged - providing tools and skills so that others can go on to create small businesses in hands-on occupations such as carpentry and tailoring
Volunteering holidays aren't just for bored teenagers. As Christine Ottery found out, there are plenty of ways to see the UK and do your bit at the same time