Whether its creating thriving natural spaces for farmland birds, inspiring local schools with bird nest cameras streaming straight to the classroom or carrying out wildlife surveys, the Worcester and Malvern RSPB Local Group is making an impact for nature. This International Volunteer Day group member Jordan Pargeter shares more about their work to save local nature and what he gets up to as a volunteer.
Hi everyone! I’m one of the project leads for the Worcester & Malvern RSPB Local Group; managing a wintering seed crop to support our declining farmland birds. Despite only joining the group last year, I’m also involved in: erecting Barn Owl and Kestrel boxes, editing the groups website, helping out on our Sand Martin boxes and assisting bat, bird and thermal surveys. As well as the practical side, I have also been involved in raising over £15,000 for the group.
Making an impact
After completing a Biology degree, it became abundantly clear that I wanted to spend my life helping our incredible wildlife. Studying modules that highlighted the emotional capacity of our wildlife reinforced an intrinsic desire to learn more and prevent further population declines. Having a more practical inclination, volunteering was the best way for me to make an impact.
Transforming unused playing fields
Despite working full-time as a software tester, my evenings and weekends are filled with volunteering and anything birds. Our wintering seed crop project turned unused playing fields into 3 hectares of food and habitat for our declining farmland birds. Managing this project consists of regular bird surveys, working with a local farmer to maintain and fertilise the land while also updating stakeholders on our findings and developments. This project has provided vital nourishment to linnets, meadow pipits, stonechats and greenfinch to name but a few.
New skills
Having a direct involvement with the wildlife around you enables you to see the world through a different lens. Collaborating with other like-minded volunteers grants you a wealth of knowledge to draw from, not to mention just how extraordinary these people are. The expertise and skills I have gained while volunteering can be transferred to many other conservation projects I hope to help with in the future.
After getting involved with the RSPB, I'm truly surprised just how many people also wish to make a big impact on conservation and help our wildlife. If making a more direct impact on the environment and benefiting nature interests you, I absolutely implore you to explore your local RSPB group.
Volunteering can be some of the most rewarding and genuinely uplifting experiences, especially when the project means something to you. There is no one mould for what a volunteer looks like, so just give it a try. Whether you are highly skilled or just a budding enthusiast there is a role for everyone.
I have met some incredible people through volunteering and seeing their passion gives me great hope and inspiration for the future of our wildlife.
Find a Local Group near you here, or for other volunteering opportunities search on the RSPB website here.
Image credits: Jordan Pargeter & Ben Andrew/RSPB Images (main image only)