By Ruby Free, Campaigning Communications Officer - Youth Campaigner's Line Manager
Meet some of the Youth Campaigners at RSPB NI!
You are never too small to make a difference
At RSPB NI, we strongly believe that anyone can make a positive impact to nature, which is why we provide the opportunity to develop new and existing skills to be an effective campaigner, conservationist and communicator. The RPSB NI Youth Campaigners have been going for almost two years, and have helped to influence policy, write communication pieces for RSPB, ran campaign stalls, created and attended event and rallies. The opportunities are endless!
This #VolunteersWeek we wanted to extend our thanks and showcase some of the incredible young people who have given up their time to work with us, campaign alongside and support the ongoing conservation work that RSPB NI are doing.
Eibhlinn Fee
How long have you been a volunteer?
Just over a year
Why do you volunteer for the RSPB?
It’s a brilliant organisation to volunteer for! The volunteering opportunities are so varied, from digging nettle rhizomes to help with corncrake conservation, to supporting political campaigns to raise awareness of the climate and biodiversity crises, there’s plenty to get involved with. The staff and fellow volunteers are also all so lovely! It feels good to support an organisation that carries out such great work.
Would you recommend volunteering and why?
Absolutely! You meet so many wonderful people from all different walks of life, all united by one positive thing! Volunteering makes you feel that you’re playing a part in something bigger than myself, and can also make you feel less alone. You can sort of build your own community.
Oisín Loughran
I've been a volunteer for roughly a year. I first joined after an informative trip to Rathlin Island where we learned about the efforts of the RSPB and the locals to get rid of invasive species. These invasive species have been causing major problems with the seabird population that go to Rathlin to breed safely. I also went to a nature talk hosted by the RSPB about how farmers can be beneficial to nature and how we need to help them out with the struggles happening throughout the UK.
I attended a talk at Window on wildlife with the Youth Campaigners there we did conservation work outside to clear up the area and build some bug hotels in the hope that they'd give insects a place to live and breed, later on we all sat as a group and discussed how we'd try and overcome certain problems within the UK in order to increase biodiversity with the likes of woodland, farmland or wetland restoration. It has been a great time being a volunteer with the RSPB and I look forward to the future opportunities they provide.
I volunteer with the RSPB as it gives me the chance to see first hand what it takes to set up a conservation effort to save a wide array of species or a specific one which is quite tricky as this means learning what conditions the species need throughout the seasons of its stay within the country. A good examples would be the corncrake which as been a real focus of the RSPB on Rathlin as the species had disappeared from the island for many years but recently they've been heard again now all that needs to happen is for breeding pairs to use the island. It is my hope that by volunteering I'll learn what I must do to help save or reintroduce a species found within Ireland whether they be permanent or temporary residents. Hopefully I use all I've learned for my future career in the conservation sector and make a positive impact.
If you enjoy wildlife either as a career or hobby the RSPB offers the opportunity to help them out and do well in the modern day. Either by trips to different habitats to show you what's needed to maintain the area so it can support the species it holds or talks about what you can do at home to give species a lifeline during rough times of the year. Such as a bird feeders, artificial nests for solitary bees, or how to manage your garden right so that bees can benefit and survive plus how to manage them right so disease doesn't set in and do negative impact on the species. They'll also give you information on all the species within the UK so you can further your knowledge and understanding of the beautiful species that are found in the UK.
Andrew Johnston:
I have been a volunteer for about 11 months and I chose to volunteer for the RSPB because I have heard of their work in helping nature since I was a kid.
I wanted to work with an organisation whose work I had was sure helped local wildlife.’
I do recommend volunteering, it is a great way to decompress and to learn new skills and meet new people. I was surprised to learn that for me volunteering didn’t feel like another piece of work to do, it feels more like an enjoyable hobby. The people I’ve met while volunteering range from those who engage inconsistently and others who have volunteering as a major part of their life. All of them are welcomed by each other, and they helped me to feel comfortable when starting out. In volunteering with the RSPB I have learnt a lot about conservation, it has been an great educational experience.
To sum up, there’s a place for anyone and everyone in the volunteering community, and the RSPB are a brilliant organisation to volunteer with!
Nicole Bond:
I’ve been a Youth Campaigner with RSPB for just over a year now.
I wanted to get more involved with nature and help to take care of the environment around us as well as the creatures that reside there. I had fond memories of taking part in the Big Garden Birdwatch since I was young, so I was aware of some of the work that RSPB did, but after speaking with some volunteers at my university’s volunteer fair and learning more about the work that they do, especially that of the Youth Campaigners, I knew that joining would not only allow me to gain a greater understanding of local biodiversity issues whilst actively working to improve them, but it would also allow me to gain knowledge on how local politics are affecting these issues in both the long and the short term and help raise awareness of these among the general public.
Would you recommend volunteering and why?*
Absolutely! It’s amazing to watch what we can achieve when we all work together and even more so when you know you’ve played a part in making it happen. Becoming a Youth Campaigner has allowed me to meet some incredible people, explore some beautiful new places and try new things all while learning about the RSPB’s projects and helping out along the way, be that getting involved in litter picks, taking part in protests or helping to get the general public interested in nature, there’s so many different ways to get involved! It’s an immensely rewarding experience and I would recommend it to anyone, no matter how much prior experience you have or your background, everyone is welcome!
Jessica Halpin
Since October 2021
Due to the current crisis our natural world is facing. I believe the work of the RSPB and other conservation organisations is the best way to tackle these issues by conserve and restore the precious habitats and wildlife we love.
Yes, I would recommend volunteering. It's a great way to meet like-minded people, get out into nature and play your part in giving nature a helping hand.
Our Youth Campaigners get involved in a lot of varied work - so, if any of the above interests you, come join us!
Once you apply, you will receive a monthly newsletter with a wide variety of opportunities to get involved with, virtual and in-person.
Find out more here: Campaigner (Youth Campaigner, Northern Ireland) | RSPB Volunteering