From oyster monitoring in Northern Ireland, to beach cleaning in the North East of England, and from wildlife gardens in Felixstowe to tree-planting in Scotland, Helen Mark returns with a new series of Open Country and speaks to some of the many people who give up their time to volunteer on conservation projects.

Inspired by the BBC One series 'Wild Isles' which celebrates the natural wonders and wildlife of Britain and Ireland, Helen is on a pontoon in Bangor, County Down to find out why looking after oysters is integral to our seas. She speaks to two people in Bath who have taken on the management of an area of land for the benefit of the community, and hears the inspiring story of how one woman's determination to pick up rubbish on beaches in the North East has blossomed into an organised community project.

Produced for BBC Audio in Bristol by Toby Field.