I've always loved birds and nature. I grew up in East Sussex and was lucky enough to live on a small holding with acres of space and lots of wildlife. I can remember as a child camping out in the garden just so I could hear the dawn chorus. I joined the YOC (Young Ornithologist Club) and still treasure my badge. The Lodge (RSPB) Headquarters was a magical place that I wanted to visit but I never quite managed to get there. This year as a volunteer and some 40-odd years later I achieved my ambition when I attended a ‘thank you’ event for Love Nature Week volunteers. I am pleased to tell you that the Lodge lived up to my childhood dreams!
After over 20 years of teaching in a primary school in Willesden, North West London, I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to take some time out for myself. How I ever managed to spend so long indoors and in a city beats me but now I am able to spend most of my time out of doors enjoying our natural world. Several years ago I bought a badge from a pin badge box at Beachy Head in Sussex and I promised myself that if I could I would become a pin badge box volunteer. Once I had left teaching I decided that I wanted to spend some of my time volunteering with the RSPB. So I took on a pin badge box or two. I currently have ten boxes that I monitor and I am also an area co-ordinator for Buckinghamshire. I am always on the lookout for new places that might be suitable and willing to house a box.
Placing a pin badge box and then servicing it once a month really doesn’t take up that much time especially if it is located close to where you live, work or visit regularly. It is also a good chance to meet and make friends with new people. And you’re helping our wildlife.
As an area co-ordinator I help to manage a few other volunteers and it is always good to hear how their boxes are doing, to keep them updated and supplied with badges. Earlier this year I arranged to meet one of my volunteers as I saw this to be a great chance to get to know each other better. In time I hope to meet all my volunteers. Meeting up with other area co-ordinators every six months is very useful, and having these meetings at reserves around the Midlands area gives us all an opportunity to see other patches and enjoy the wildlife that thrives there.
The many different birds that visit my garden and entertain me remind me that by volunteering for the RSPB I am helping secure their future.
Carole Taylor is Pin Badge Area Coordinator for Buckinghamshire. Would you like to become a pin badge boxer too? For details contact Mark Barrett on 01295 676455 or email mark.barrett@rspb.org.uk