Blogger: Hannah Gray, Work Experience Volunteer - July 2013
Firstly, I have to say most people think the RSPB is all about birds and you have to know loads about birds to get involved in it. However, this is not the case, the RSPB try to conserve a multitude of habitats and animals that live in them, and a knowledge of birds whilst useful is certainly not necessary in this organisation. The RSPB offers a range of different jobs in its offices and on its reserves I have had the pleasure of learning and experiencing all of these different roles and whilst you don’t need to be a ‘tree hugger’ at least working at the RSPB makes a difference and is not all about financial gain. I never realised before I came here all the different aspects of the RSPBs work and how it all interlocks to create a successful charity organisation. From applying for grants, to organising festivals to blogging and controlling the RSPB brand. You don’t realise how much goes into this organisation until you come here, and how much of a close community it is here, everyone works together to achieve the same goal, conserving our environment.
You may ask why is the RSPB so important? What does it even do? Well the RSPB is the largest conservation organisations in Europe and works with farmers, businesses, international funders, other wildlife organisations and the individual to make a difference in the world of conservation. The RSPB do a whole range of activities to achieve their goal. From hands on stuff like creating new reserves and managing habitats, to working with others and making them aware of the need for conservation and how they can get involved. Without the RSPB and its work, we could face losing some of our best-loved native animals and their homes. The RSPB bring back species from the brink like the current project on turtle doves. Without these vital projects these animals would be lost forever.
The most important thing the RSPB want to achieve though is connecting people with nature, letting people enjoy the natural wonders that surround them by helping them to understand our environment so they to can have a part in saving and sustaining it too.
This is what my time here has taught me and this is something I will take away and never forget. Everyone here has been wonderful and I would like to thank them for putting up with me and supporting me. The RSPB is an amazing organisation and I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in wildlife or conservation.
Thankyou
[Editor: No, thank you Hannah for coming to find our more about what we do, we could not do the amazing conservation work that we do without support from good people like yourself. Thanks also for this impromptu blog post - makes us feel all warm and fuzzy inside].