A new wildlife project in Oxhey Woods launches this weekend with a workshop on how to identify trees in winter.

As part of a £200,000 scheme to reinvigorate the local nature reserve in South Oxhey, the Countryside Management Service is running courses to get people interested in conservation.

Some of the money will be used to train volunteers in taking an active role in caring for Oxhey Woods in the future. A conservation taster session was held in the woods to give new volunteers a chance to have a go at practical conservation work.

On Sunday a “Winter Tree Identification” session will be held in the woods, showing people how to identify trees when they have no leaves. The session runs from 10.30am until 12.30pm, meeting in the main car park.

Alex Laurie, CMS projects officer, said: “There are roles for all sorts of people. We are looking for volunteers to help with publicising and planning activities.

“Those who want to get involved in conservation work or gain a better understanding of woodland wildlife can get any training they need.”

On Saturday March 3, another conservation session will be held in the woods, running from 10am until 1pm, meeting in the main car park.