Blogger: Annie Sadler, Volunteering Development Officer
As the world starts to become green again, the birds are singing and insects buzzing, Flatford Wildlife Garden is taking shape.
The RSPB is bringing this old garden back to life. One third of an acre, on the River Stour near Flatford Mill in the Dedham Vale Area of Natural Beauty, landscapers are under-way, working hard on the state of the art design, all for wildlife! Hedgerows have been planted, a board walk started, and footpaths created. Now all we need is more people to help us develop this beautiful place into a haven for wildlife.
Jane Warren, Project Manager, said "This is such an exciting project, it's fantastic to be able to start a wildlife garden from scratch and watch it develop. I can't wait to see what it will look like in a year's time". We have some fantastic volunteers helping with planting and maintaining the garden, but we are always looking for more help! For example to help with greeting members of the public at the site, talking to community groups about the garden and helping with events.
We also have a very exciting opportunity for a Flatford Wildlife Garden Internship. We are looking for someone who has an enthusiasm and interest in wildlife gardening and horticulture, who can support our Project Officer three days a week from July 2011 - March 2012. Tasks will include helping to develop and maintain the new garden, which includes flower borders, wildflower meadows, and orchard, bog garden and an organic vegetable garden. It will also involve talking to and advising the public visitors to the garden, assisting at events and helping to manage other volunteers. This promises to be a very varied role!
Not only will the successful applicant gain work experience at one of Europe's largest conservation charities but they will be given the opportunity to undertake formal training in horticulture through a local college. They will also have a dedicated mentor, attend internal high-quality training courses, have support in developing their CV and interview skills and gain many other skills and opportunities along the way.
Shirley Boyle, Project Officer, herself an ex-RSPB Intern said "My time volunteering has been life-changing. I have made some wonderful friends, learned a lot, had a really disproportionate amount of fun, and of course, gained sufficient experience to kick-start a career in conservation that I am really excited about". The RSPB runs an inclusive internship scheme, so whether people have just graduated or are looking for a change of career path at any stage of their career we welcome applications. For more information and to apply for the internship or other voluntary roles at the garden please contact Liz Cutting on 01206 391153 or e-mail liz.cutting@rspb.org.uk
Photo Credit: Adam Murray, RSPB