Conservation Volunteering Introduction

June 19th, 2006

Before I start a diary on this (my first diary ever) I want to write an introduction and tell you about some of the skills I have learned on the way.

I joined my local group of conservation volunteers about 4 years ago, and it is one of the best things I have ever done.  For a long time I worked in a job that I hated simply because it was what I knew and it was well paid.  I used to dread getting up in the morning on a work day.  Then, with the support of my partner, I left that job to find a better way of life.  This included starting a degree and, of course, joining South Somerset Conservation Volunteers.   Now, every day is a joy, and on the days that I am going out to volunteer, I definately have a spring in my step.

Here is a picture of me helping to plant a hedge on a cold, wet day, standing in mud and still smiling:-)

The group, as a whole, are a great bunch of people.  There is a core membership of about 5 people, and there are others that may only come out for one day, or stay for a few months, then leave to go on to other things.  Ages range from teenagers to OAPs, and we all get on really well.  We have members from all walks of life.  Some are students, studying for various qualifications in subjects such as countryside management or wildlife conservation.  Some are people with learning difficulties or other problems, where learning team work and other socials skills is important for their progress.   Some are retired teachers, business people and ex forces personnel etc. The one thing we all have in common is that we all have a love and/or interest in wildlife and nature and we all choose to volunteer in this way.

The group is affiliated with BTCV, which is a well known national conservation charity. They provide transport, tools, first aid cover, insurance and training.  As well as tea, coffee and biscuits, and a project leader. 

A few months after joining I became a Volunteer Officer with BTCV. My job title was Natural Breaks Officer. This entailed running a programme of Natural Break Conservation Holidays in my area as well as assisting in the running of the South Somerset Midweek Group and the Somerset office. The position was only temporary because the system is designed to give people who want to follow a career in this type of work the opportunity to gain practical experience.  However, during my time as a VO I had access to free certified training in many skills, in return for my commitment.

This training included species identification courses, leadership courses, and health and safety/risk assessment courses as well as practical skills such as first aid, mini bus driving, dry stone walling, woodland management skills including, planting, coppicing and felling (I now have an NPTC certificate in various chain saw operations, something that I would not have been able to afford without BTCV).

Other skills I have acquired, during my NVQ training (also paid for by BTCV funding, but not finished yet) include hedgelaying and step, fence, stile and bridge building, as well as general experience in pond maintenance, scrub clearance, invasive species control and how to cook a perfect baked potato on a bonfire!

I am no longer a VO but I still go out with the group once a week.  We work on various projects, some of which are one offs and some are ongoing and form part of the long term  management plans for the sites that we visit regularly.

I also go out on some weekends and have worked on conservation projects in other parts of the UK, and I am a registered leader with BTCV for their conservation holidays.

I know that not everyone can just give up their job or other responsibilities to go out and volunteer every week, but there is always something you can do if you are really interested.  If you want to join in, then contacting your local wildlife trust or BTCV office or even your local council will give you a good starting point. They will be able to tell you about events and volunteering opportunities in your local area, where you can take part as little or as often as you like. 

See you next time.

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

Entry Filed under: Green Volunteers