MALVERN residents have a chance to play a vital role in preserving the hills by joining the board of conservators.

Elections for 11 of the 29 Malvern Hills Conservators will take place on Thursday October 25 and the deadline for nominations is 12 noon this Friday September 28.

A poll is held every four years to elect those members representing the town's Priory, Chase, Wells, West, Dyson Perrins, Malvern Link and Pickersleigh wards and the parishes of Guarlford, Colwall and Mathon.

The role of a conservator is voluntary and involves attending six bi-monthly board meetings and members usually work on one of the organisation's two committees, which also have six bi-monthly meetings.

Apart from attending meetings, conservators have to be approachable and good listeners - part of the job involves engaging with the public and bringing issues raised by them to the director and the board.

Conservators are also encouraged to go along to a series of evening strolls in the summer months each year to look at aspects of the hills and commons management.

Members are also invited each year to help out at the conservator's Three Counties Show stand and they can sit on the wildlife panels and grazing panels. They are also encouraged to attend parish council meetings to inform them of the conservator's work.

Dudley Brook, a conservator for 19 years, said: "Being a hills conservator is not too onerous but it is very rewarding for those with an interest in conservation."

He has volunteered to provide more information about the role to anyone who is interested in standing for the elections. He can be contacted on 01684 560808.

More information about the work of the conservators can be found on www.malvernhills.org.uk.

Election nomination papers are available from Malvern Hills Conservators offices, Manor House, Grange Road, Malvern, from 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm. They can be posted by calling 01684 892002 or e-mail conservators@malvernhills.org.uk.