This months' guest volunteering blogs come from the beautiful Sussex coast as Rob Carver tells us what volunteering at Pagham Harbour means to him....
Many years ago (I won’t say quite how many!) I worked as a volunteer on my local waterway – a site particularly rich in rare wildlife and popular with the public. It’s a time I look back on with great fondness and it kick-started my career in conservation. I was able to bring my own skills to promoting the work here while at the same time gaining valuable experience for the future. Volunteering really did ‘open up my world’.
Now as Manager of Pagham Harbour it’s really rewarding to support volunteers and help others gain some of the many benefits of volunteering that I experienced, as well as seeing how individuals can bring their own skills to the different roles we need. And what a great bunch of volunteers we have!
My involvement with the Reserve began when I worked here as a student and Assistant Warden over 22 years ago! I had a wonderful summer. So I understand why people love this special place and are drawn to volunteer here. And thank goodness for that, as without volunteers giving their time, expertise and enthusiasm we wouldn’t be able to achieve even half of what we do – showing the public a great time, inspiring school children, recording wildlife and managing the land. In fact volunteers are our most precious resource – our lifeblood.
We are now seeking more Volunteers to help with our work recruiting RSPB members, promoting ourselves in the community, leading walks and events, carrying out wildlife surveys and assisting the public on the Reserve.
It’s an OPPORTUNITY TO WORK ON AN AMAZING SITE, SEE fantastic wildlife close at hand, HELP the conservation of this internationally important wetland and work of the RSPB, and MEET PEOPLE FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE.
Doesn’t get much better than that, so do come and join us, we can’t do it without you!
Rob Carver Manager – RSPB Pagham Harbour
Want to Volunteer? Ask me!