I am astounded and amazed at the contribution to the work of the RSPB that the local group network makes. A community group of like-minded, passionate people getting together and really making a difference where it counts.
They are spread up and down the UK and each group has it’s own personality. By this I mean that they undertake different activities for their membership. This being said they all share the same objectives which are:
This may seem like a lot of hard work, and this is why I am so amazed the volunteers that run these groups can often have full time jobs, families and other commitments and yet they still have time to run these groups. It must be because that also have fun and feel like they are making a difference to the world around them and the people that attend the group meetings and outings.
Do you want to meet other likeminded people? Get to know other RSPB members in your local area? Do you want to learn more about birds and wildlife? Why not Step Up for Nature and join one of our groups near you!
“I have been a member of the group for the best part of thirty years, and joining was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The group has always been made up of friendly people who never make you feel foolish if you misidentify or don’t recognize a common bird.” Jean Fox, Newcastle Upon Tyne Local Group
Each group organises events throughout the year for people who are interested in wild birds and conservation. Events might include:
For a flavour of a groups activities have a look at the North West Surrey Local Group website.
You don’t have to be a member to join in, and turning up to a meeting doesn’t commit you – so contact a local group near you to find out what’s going on in your area.
Do you want to get involved in helping to run a group? If so then the groups could do with your help. Could you organise events, look after the money, be a group leader, get involved with the media & publicity, take minutes & prepare meetings, or write newsletters?
Why not visit our volunteering opportunity pages and see if there is a Local Group role that suits you!
Are you a member of a local group? If so, please leave me a comment it would be great to hear what you think and I am sure you will inspire others to find out more.
No matter what you think you are, you are always and in all ways so much more!
Norm - that's so nice to hear! Which group do you belong to?
Having been invited to join my local group about two years ago my commitments have changed drastically and I have finally got round to doing it!
I chose a few years ago to ditch the car and the downside is that I haven't had much opportunity to visit different reserves - now I'm a member of a group I'll be able to join in with car shares and visit more reserves. The wealth of knowledge in my group is phenomenal and I'm sure my birding knowledge is set to rocket too!
I'm looking forward to becoming an active member and making a positive contribution to the group.
Like two golden birds perched on the selfsame tree, intimate friends, the ego and the Self dwell in the same body. The former eats the sweet and sour fruits of the tree of life while the latter looks on in detachment.
Mundaka Upanishad
So true Des, without these marvellous people we, the RSPB, would not be able to acheive so much.
They also serve who stand and wait (or perhaps sit and wait more likely) - Conservation work is not only done in the wild, beautiful and varied landscapes of the UK but also in the living rooms, village halls and thousands of similar places up and down the country. True working through an agenda that includes items such as ‘a cheque for a stall at the Pinner Show’ may not have the allure of spotting the 200th species of 2010 at Rainham Marshes – a bluethroat in case you’re wondering – but the RSPB wouldn’t survive long without this sort of necessary volunteering. And we mustn't forget the unsung champions of conservation - the people who serve the tea and biscuits at the hundreds of RSPB meetings every year. Volunteering for a local group is fun and a great way to Step Up for Nature.