Blogger: Sarah Green, Project Coordinator - Natura People Partnership Project
What’s your everyday job? Do you spend a lot of time in the office, reading a computer screen? Would you like to spend a day in the great outdoors, away from the air con system, breathing fresh air in spectacular scenery?
If you said yes then we’ve got a fabulous opportunity for you!
We are offering team challenges at 19 East of England reserves – that’s Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Lincolnshire – open to any business, no matter the sector.
What is a team challenge? Well, it’s a way to learn new skills, bond as a team, get outside and help us save nature! You will help with hands on conservation work improving each reserve for wildlife.
Opportunities on offer are:
Create a wildlife garden – make space for creepy crawlies, bees, plantlife, birds and mammals.
Restore paths – help make the reserves more accessible for wheelchair users, families and others with mobility problems.
Coppicing - Help manage our woodlands by cutting back trees to promote healthy growth and provide a range of habitats for insects, birds and the odd animal.
Plant a reedbed - Reedbeds are vital habitats for rare bird species like bitterns and bearded tits (see the pretty bird below). We cut them back in strategic places so that the bitterns can wander through and do what they do best (mostly hide).
Scrub bashing and burning – take out your frustrations with the daily 9-5 grind, keep warm in winter and help improve habitats for wildlife.
Bearded tit by Andy Hay (rspbimages.com)
And don’t worry, most reserves have toilet facilities!
Team members can work at their own pace, with guidance and help from our experienced wardens. We will provide all equipment and give advice on what sort of clothing you will need (often wellies and waterproof jackets)
Previous team challengers have had this to say: “Telecoms software is nothing like this! A great day out of the office by the river at Dedham, helping the RSPB by clearing the site for a new wildlife garden. Thanks for having us.”
“Everyone seems to really enjoy the environmental days, the chance to work outside and do something totally different from their day to day roles. It’s given everyone a real boost, it’s been great fun and most importantly everyone’s efforts have helped the RSPB prepare local sites for wildlife”
You’ll get a real sense of achievement from the activities and see a different side to your work colleagues. If you need more persuasion, check out these pictures from a range of our reserves:
Swallowtail butterfly at RSPB Strumpshaw Fen by Matt Wilkinson
Fungi foray at RSPB Stour Estuary by Liz Cutting
Wildlife garden at RSPB Frampton Marsh by Adam Murray
Red deer at RSPB Minsmere by Carol Miller
So what are you waiting for? Find out more on our website or contact Annie Sadler on email at easternteamchallenges@rspb.org.ukor telephone 01603 66 16 62. Of course, if you are not a business but also want to get involved with the RSPB, you can still volunteer with us! Check out our volunteering pages for more information.