Guest blog contribution from Dara Brown, RSPB Volunteer and Team Member
Just under a year ago, Jacqui had never witnessed the majestic sight of a soaring Red Kite before. But that all changed when she became RSPB NI’s Volunteer Coordinator for the Red Kite Conservation Project here in Northern Ireland.
“It will go down as a big ‘wow’ moment in my life,” Jacqui told us, describing her trip to the Red Kite Retreat feeding station in County Down, where she witnessed around 30 Red Kites flying overhead.
Since then, Jacqui has gone on to learn just about everything you need to know about this magnificent bird. One of her favourite things about volunteering with RSPB NI is that there is always more to discover – the conservation work, the vital research, and the wide variety of species found in Northern Ireland.
People Power
It’s not just her new-found knowledge of birds that helps make Jacqui’s volunteering experience so rewarding; it’s the people too. “For me, it really has made a big difference. I have something to share with other people and it makes other people stop and think”, Jacqui remarks. Being a real ‘people person’ is essential for a Volunteer Coordinator. The role involves managing groups of volunteers working on species recovery projects, dealing with queries, and recruiting new members to the team.
Jacqui is passionate about making sure the volunteers she works with feel valued. By getting to know each individual, she discovers what it is that drives them: “That can help me to make sure their volunteering experience is enjoyable, something they look forward to doing”. Similarly, Jacqui is always keen for to hear ideas from volunteers on how things could be done better: “That’s it, that’s how we’re going to grow. That’s how we’re going to make sure that every little thing is done to the best of our abilities – by making sure we get everybody’s input”.
Red Kite Recovery
Volunteering in any role is a fantastic way to contribute to something important and to gain a sense of achievement. The impact that volunteers make is something Jacqui witnesses first hand through the Red Kite programme.
In 2008, the reintroduction of Red Kites initiated the pioneering species recovery program in Northern Ireland, making it the first of its kind in the region. This groundbreaking initiative marked the historic reintroduction of Red Kites as the first bird species ever to be reintroduced in Northern Ireland. At this point, the species had been extinct for around 200 years across the country. Now, there are around 24 breeding pairs, but RSPB NI believe there are more that have been unreported. While they have been primarily spotted in County Down, sightings have come from across Northern Ireland, even as far as the North Coast and Fermanagh.
As Jacqui points out, “Those birds still need us”. Having been inspired by the workforce of RSPB NI who dedicate themselves to saving nature, Jacqui loves that through volunteering, she too can raise awareness about such an awe-inspiring species.
Have you spotted any Red Kites around your area?
Keep your eyes to the skies and help our team report any Red Kite sightings across Northern Ireland here: https://bit.ly/RSPBNI_RedKiteSighting
Interested in volunteering?
“Join a group of people doing something you’re passionate about”, advises Jacqui. “Explore the different roles and projects the RSPB has to offer. Choose something that suits your needs and interests. That way, you can get the most out of your volunteering experience and RSPB NI can make progress in helping to restore nature with your help.”
Find a volunteering opportunity here.
Credit: Red Kite by Ben Hall (rspb-images.com)