Coincidentally I just started a similar thread allied to this very issue. I am considering joining the Friends of the Lake District and doing some voluntary work with them but as my funds and time are short I need to know that I am putting it to the best use. Something that I think people will be more faced with as they tighten their proverbial belts

I was therefore asking if anybody had any thoughts or experience of them so that I could make my mind up once and for all - any comments?