Ilminster and Chard group

autumn sun at Thurlbear

Autumn sun at Thurlbear - Matt Sweeting

Local area group

Ilminster and Chard

Where we are and what we do

The Ilminster and Chard group was formed by Volunteers in Ilminster in October 1985. It is currently organised by a small committee of seven local people who meet formally just a couple of times a year. You don't need any experience or particular expertise to get involved; just lots of enthusiasm and fresh ideas.

Our fundraisers: We hold a couple of interesting events as fundraisers: a Plant Sale in May, a Coffee morning combined with a Bluebell and Spring flower walk in a local woodland. A few outdoor visits take place during the year.

Ilminster and Chard Area Group supports several projects in their area too. Members of the group are involved in monitoring Local Wildlife Sites and reserves and advisory visits have been made to neighbouring parishes.

With the area being to the south of the county, several members also have links with Devon and Dorset Trusts as well as Blackdown Hills AONB and other conservation/wildlife groups.

Where we meet

Regular indoor meetings take place with talks covering a wide variety of wildlife topics. Talks are held on the 4th Friday of the month from September to April with a break in December.

Meetings take place 7.30pm at the Parish Hall, North Street, Ilminster TA19 0DG (ST 361 147.)

Admission by suggested donation of £3 adults, £4 non-members, no charge for children.

Refreshments are usually served at indoor events (teas, coffees and biscuits).

There is wheelchair access and limited parking roadside, in the nearby West St car park or Tesco in Shudrick Lane (free for up to 3 hours).

    Browse all events in What's on

     

    How can you help?

    Can you offer help with any of these?

    • Attend a couple of committee meetings a year + a social event
    • Write reports for local press
    • Help arrange events
    • Keep accounts
    • Join the refreshments team
    • Be First-Aider for meetings/walks
    • Bring new ideas.

    Please note Local Area Groups are not responsible for practical reserves management. To find a practical volunteer group or explore the range of volunteering opportunities offered by Somerset Wildlife Trust please visit our volunteer opportunities page.  

    Looking for family friendly activities?

    Our Wildlife Watch clubs are for children to make friends with other nature-loving young people and have lots of fun taking part in practical nature activities.

    Find out more about Wildlife Watch Clubs

    Contact Ilminster and Chard Area Group

    Looking for other volunteer opportunities?

    From practical conservation tasks, like cutting back bracken and hedge-laying, to answering queries on our reception help-desk and engaging with the public at our events - we have lots of different volunteer opportunities just waiting for you to get involved in.

    Current volunteering opportunities 

     

    Nature reserves near Illminster and Chard