If you have ever considered volunteering, there’s no time like the present to take those first steps. The new year is a time for developing new plans, for thinking about what we do and who we do it for, for best intentions and for a bit of soul-searching to work out how we can become better versions of ourselves.

This year, the Trust will celebrate its 60^th anniversary and over that time we are proud to say that the impact of our work has been felt far and wide across the region. We have, however, only been able to accomplish that with an army of volunteers. In 2023, we hit a new milestone with over 1,000 volunteers contributing to management measures that all feed into maintaining, conserving, developing and improving habitats, where our local wildlife can thrive. Can you start to see how that might make you feel good about yourself? Well it doesn’t stop there, so please keep reading!

Many of our volunteers enjoy taking part in work parties, which are led by our Reserves Team and offer the opportunity to learn new skills and meet new people, working alongside those who are like-minded to achieve a common goal.

What can I expect?

Once you’ve been briefed on handling tools and equipment, you’ll be given clear safety instructions and tasked with specific jobs. For instance, this may involve clearing tree saplings and brambles to keep heathland open – vital action to support diversity, or coppicing Willows around a pond to make sure the light reaches the water’s edge to maximise productivity. This constitutes a physical work out too and is great for developing fitness without the expense of gym fees! Don’t worry if you aren’t particular fit or if that’s something you want to build up – our team will make sure you stay within your comfort zone.

Armed with new tools and keen to try out new skills, smiles of satisfaction amongst our volunteers are a common sight, as tree roots are popped, brambles are raked and branches sawn. The feeling of achievement is palpable in the air and when there are tea breaks and lunch breaks you can witness the buzz of camaraderie growing. Volunteering can make you feel very good indeed!

Our wonderful volunteers

Reserves Officer, Kathryn Dunnett says “We couldn’t carry out the amount of work needed without the help of our volunteers and work parties – we simply don’t have the resources ourselves to accomplish all the work that is needed or the money to hire contractors. We are hugely grateful to all our volunteers. Without them, our reserves would quickly become overgrown and in bad condition – it would be a disaster!"

Kathryn continues, “Work parties across our reserves vary – some sites require less attention and others a lot more. Our volunteers enjoy working across different habitats and sites without having to travel too far.

“Our approach at work parties is pretty flexible, we give people time to build up their strength and gain fitness if that’s something they need to do and start with less taxing jobs. Breaks can also be taken as needed. Many of our volunteers enjoy keeping active, doing a physical job and playing their part, as well as the social aspect.

“I find our volunteers great people to be around and work parties are some of my favourite days at work. I’m really proud of what we achieve.”

Let’s hear from two of our volunteers:

Mary Young says “I’ve always been interested in wildlife, both flora and fauna, and decided to try volunteering locally when I retired. While the work parties have been hard work at times, the people I’ve met and the reserves I’ve been able to ‘get down and dirty with’, have been great experiences. I totally recommend giving it a go, you learn so much from everyone involved, and there is lovely camaraderie and banter - it hardly seems like work at all!”

Gary Tedds says “Work party volunteering can be a physical workout. Some tasks are strenuous jobs in conditions ranging from winter snow to hot summer sun. What’s the attraction? Working alongside like-minded people managing reserves and creating conditions to help nature thrive. And, hopefully, getting fitter without paying gym fees.”

We couldn’t achieve what we do without the support of our volunteers, many of whom are also valued members of the Trust. From fixing fences, to clearing scrub to carrying out surveys, our work parties make an incredible contribution to our local habitats and wildlife. And our volunteers tell us that they benefit too - learning new skills, meeting new people, working in the open air, making a difference, improving fitness, and overall the positive impact it has on their wellbeing. Work parties are just one of the ways you can volunteer with the Trust – simply fill out an enquiry form to get started here.